FARMINGTON – The Aztec High boys golf team survived a late-round charge to secure the FHS Scorpion Invitational boys title by a single stroke Monday at Pinon Hills Golf Course.
The Tigers combined for a team score of 342 (+54), narrowly edging out Farmington (343) and third-place Piedra Vista (345). The three-way battle between San Juan County rivals remained until the final holes of the contest.
Aztec’s victory was anchored by senior Dylan Thompson and Natthan Kennedy, who carded an 82 and 83, respectively. Junior Braylon Phelps added an 85 to ensure the Tigers held off the Scorpions.
While Aztec took the team trophy, the individual title featured a showdown between a seasoned sophomore and a rising freshman. Piedra Vista’s Burke Allen and Kirtland Central’s Taylor Roundy both turned in rounds of 6-over-par 78 to share medalist honors.
Roundy’s performance was a bright spot for the Broncos, who finished fifth as a team. Allen’s 78, which included three birdies on the back nine, led a balanced Piedra Vista attack that saw four players break 90.
“We’re still not quite there as a team that can compete at the state level, but they’re also way behind in terms of tournaments played this season,” said Piedra Vista head coach Tom Yost.
Farmington was led by freshman Lincoln Blue Eyes, who tied for third overall with an 82. Senior Conner Neff finished just one stroke behind him with an 83. The Scorpions’ depth was complimented by Joshua Johnson (87) and Jonah Ledesma (91), who kept the Scorpions within striking distance until the final hole.
Miyamura senior Zackery Maynerich also joined the tie for third place with a gritty 82, leading the Patriots to a fourth-place team finish.
Farmington High junior Olivia Silentman claimed the individual crown, but it was the Piedra Vista girls golf team that stole the show at the FHS Scorpion Invitational.
The Panthers, defending Class 5A champions, displayed clinical consistency Monday, placing seven golfers in the top 10 to coast to a team victory with a total of 381 (+93).
Silentman was the only golfer to break 90 on the day. She finished with a 13-over-par 85, securing an eight-stroke cushion over her nearest competitors. Despite her individual performance, the Scorpions finished second in the team standings with a 432.
Piedra Vista sophomore Mercedes Sanborn and freshman Bryztal Cline shared second-place honors, both carding a 93. They were followed closely by eighth-grader Olivia Varnadore (95) and freshman Lucianna Gensini (97), who rounded out the top five.
“We’re still a young team, but there’s a lot of room for improvement and they’re getting there,” Yost said.
Miyamura’s Peyton Tsinnijinnie and Piedra Vista’s Bailey Garcia tied for seventh at 101, while the Patriots’ Lauren Cadman rounded out the top 10 with a 107.