'Jacks bolt to front in section 7AA play

Lumberjack senior Keegan Poppenberg led all golfers after the first round of the section 7AA boys golf tournament Tuesday at Giants Ridge in Biwabik. Poppenberg shot an even par 70 to finish atop the standings in the first round of the two-day section tournament.

Poppenberg's round of 72 edged Lumberjack teammate Anthony McKay, who finished second with a round of 77. Keegan finished with three birdies and three bogeys on the day with the even par round.

With the top two spots secured by Poppenberg and McKay, they propelled the 'Jacks to the top team spot as they finished with a team total of 308 - a remarkable 30 shots ahead of second place Virginia with a score of 338.

By earning the top spot, Cloquet-Esko advanced to the second round of the sectional tournament Thursday along with Virginia, Duluth Denfeld and Duluth Marshall. Cloquet-Esko also played four holes under par as a team Tuesday.

The Lumberjacks will send their six golfers into the section finals with the top four finishers on Thursday, adding their scores to what the 'Jacks posted on Thursday. Cloquet-Esko will be seeking its second straight appearance in the state boys golf tournament at the Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan June 11-12. The Lumberjacks finished fourth at last year's state tournament.

Individually Tuesday, Bryce Waino of Virginia was in third place with a round of 78, and Lumberjacks Sam Baker was in a group of three that was tied for fourth place - all finishing the first round with a score of 79. Baker took fourth place individually at last year's Class AA state meet.

Brayden Tyman and Karson Patten both shot rounds of 79 in a three-way tie at seventh place Tuesday, and Trevor Steinart was 17th with a round of 86.

The top four teams and top 20 individuals advance to the section finals. The top team will advance to the state meet, along with the top five individuals.

The second round resumed Thursday at the Quarry Golf Course after this issue of the Pine Knot News was printed.