The Northampton golf team played well this year, and only a key early season loss has them wondering what could have been as far as winning the LVC.

The Kids lost to Emmaus in their opening match, one in which they did not have their top player in senior Evan Notaro. So, it appears the Hornets will grab the LVC title this year. However, NHS may have a chance to get revenge if it can make it to team districts at Willowbrook in Catasauqua on Oct. 3. The Kids need Moravian or Notre Dame to win the 2A crown over Southern Lehigh (which is 3A) in order to leave a spot open to advance to the 3A district playoffs.

A win there would move NHS to the team regional competition. Lofty goals for a program many feel is on the rise.

"Todd Bowser (Northampton's new AD) and myself really believe we can bring some big accolades home to Northampton this year and begin to build several years of dominance in District 11 golf," said first-year head coach Brian Davies. "Last year we finished third in the LVC. This year we will probably finish second, barring an unforeseen break down from Emmaus. Next year we want to win the LVC conference and District 11 championship."

Davies said he's looking to send six golfers to the District 11 qualifier at Woodstone on Oct. 1: Notaro, juniors Kevin Kunkle, Tyler Smith, Anthony Cavallo and Derek Kressler as well as sophomore Carter Test. The players need an 81 average throughout the season in order to advance.

"We will be the school with the most depth as no other school in District 11 will send six entrants," Davies said.

Davies feels he can get at least three of those six into the District 11 tournament at Shawnee on Oct. 8. From there, the top-10 players will compete at the regional competition at Golden Oakes in Fleetwood, Oct. 16.

"At that point, many of the players that are competing are very evenly matched and it can come down to who has experience," Davies said. "We believe Evan Notaro can build on his regional performance last year and make it to states [at Heritage Hills in York]."

The LVC Tournament is on Sept. 24 and Davies said the team is looking forward to competing with the top District 11 teams.

***

In a recent match, the Kids downed Whitehall 359-425. Carter Test led the way with a 67 at Southmoore. It was a personal best and also tied the low score for the Kids this season.

Tyler Smith shot 70 and Evan Notaro a 72.

Northampton

Carter Test - 67

Tyler Smith - 70

Evan Notaro - 72

Kevin Kunkle - 73

Anthony Cavallo - 77

Total - 359

Whitehall

Mark Roth - 81

Jake Szakal - 81

Loran Pritchard - 87

Kyle Greenzweig - 88

Patrick Glasgow - 88

Total - 425