The Keota Eagle and Hillcrest Academy Raven boys golf teams flew high Wednesday at their Class 1A Sectional meet hosted by BGM at the Brooklyn Victor Country Club. Keota won the team championship with an overall score of 319, edging out second place BGM’s 323. The Eagles were led by sectional runner-up Brennan McGuire. The sophomore sizzled with his round of 73. HLV’s Peyton Roth fired a 70 to win the individual title. Other Eagle scores included Billie Kindred 76, Porter Cave 84, Tucker Sprouse 86, Jake Morris 94, and Cooper Strand 97. Following the meet, top scorer McGuire and lone senior Kindred talked with KCII Sports about the day.

McGuire said, “Nerves for me were there, but I try to calm them and get in the right headspace. Hole four is a little par four and I stuck it to 10 feet, so that was a nice little boost of confidence. (The sectional championship) is pretty good.”

Kindred continued, “I was a little nervous at first, but after the first couple of holes, you’re good to go. I made a few long putts that really got me going. (The sectional championship) feels great!”

Hillcrest Academy also moved on through sectionals with a third place team finish at 330. Senior Liam Schrock led the Ravens, placing third overall with his 73. He was followed closely by teammate Rowan Miller fourth overall with a 74. Other Hillcrest cards included Matthew Chalupa 89, Lawson Schrock and Rylan Good at 94 each, and Ethan Yoder 97. KCII Sports caught up with Liam Schrock and Miller following their rounds.

Schrock stated, “I was maybe a little nervous, but mainly just excited. I always think, they are going to put a score by your name no matter what, so you might as well make it a good one! On the first hole, I made an eight-footer for par and that got me going and saved the round I would say. (Qualifying as a team) makes it more fun. We can go together and hang out together.”

Miller said, “I was excited, usually I get some first-tee jitters, but, after that first swing, things set in and it’s fine. I was four-over through the first four, then I was able to keep it at about that. Then first hole of the back nine, hole nine, par four, I put it on the fringe, put it close, make a putt and that birdie turned it around so I could stay one under on the back. It’s great to qualify as a team. I always enjoy that McDonald stop as a team. It’s better with teammates than just by yourself!”

The Eagles and Ravens, and second place BGM Bears, along with Roth of HLV and Gage Heyne of English Valleys all advance to Monday’s district meet at Wapello to play for a chance at State.