New head coach Brandon Hoover is leading a team of young players for the varsity boys hitting the golf course for Escalon this season.

They had their first league tournament at River Oaks in Hughson and the team score was 476, which placed the young Cougars fifth out of six teams.

“TJ McNeil was the bright spot, shooting a 65,” Hoover said. “That was good for fourth overall in the entire league.”

Scott Allan shot a 96, Jared Trimble came in at 97, Ethan Jacobs had a 104 and Brenden Berchtold shot a 115.

“Team wise, we only have one varsity returner,” Hoover said, with McNeil the only one coming back with experience at the varsity level.

The remaining roster has three other seniors, Scott Allan, Jared Trimble and Gabe Mouw, along with five freshmen, Ethan Jacobs, Jaiden Nguyen, Matix Trimble, Brenden Berchtold and Noah Ghiglieri.

“League wise, Ripon is the clear favorite,” added Hoover. “They bring back the majority of their varsity roster from last year.”

At the second league event, hosted at Turlock Country Club this past week, McNeil shot a career best 75, which placed him second out of 36 players.

“He’s been putting in a lot of extra time at the range and it’s starting to pay off,” noted Hoover.

Mouw improved his score by 24 strokes from the last time they played at Turlock, the coach added, and came in with a 112.

Freshmen Trimble, Jacobs and Berchtold were playing for the first time on a par 72 regulation course.

“They are getting valuable experience playing these courses that will benefit them down the road,” Hoover explained. “They are working very hard to improve on their games.”