MARION — Lapel knocked off favored Pendleton Heights to claim the Madison County golf tournament May 4 at Club Run Golf Course outside Marion.
The Bulldogs scored 318 to Pendleton Heights’ 346 on a rainy course.
But the real drama came after the Bulldogs had claimed the title.
Last year’s medalist, Pendleton Heights’ Austin Davis, and Lapel’s Corbyn Carroll finished the round with 77s and tied for medalist honors. Pendleton Heights coach Scott Davis and Lapel coach Dylan Crosley agreed to a sudden death playoff.
Both golfers parred the first hole and went one over on the second playoff hole.
On the third, Carroll’s second shot on the dog-leg-shaped hole landed to the left of the green, and Davis’ landed just to the front.
Both were on in three shots but saw long putts ahead of them.
Carroll’s putt had the crowd holding its breath as the ball went straight to the hole but bounced off the flag about a foot away. Davis’ long putt also missed the mark, and the sophomore Carroll two-putted to end the match and earn his first medalist honors.
“It certainly was a different experience,” Carroll said. “It was one of my best games ever.”
Carroll and Davis were five over par for the day.
“I thought it was nerve-racking, too,” Crosley said. “This is my first year of coaching, and to have a winning team and individual means a lot for the school. He (Carroll) kept going, and I’m proud of him.”
Crosley also coached the Lapel girls to a county championship last fall.
Despite having to start his round 30 minutes late because another player got lost, Carroll birdied his first hole and set the stage for his medal pace.
All Lapel golfers were within seven strokes of each other. Jaxon Fetty came in with a 78, Corbin Renihan 81, Ian Vippperman 82 and Logan McAtee 84. Crosley said his team has been playing consistently all season.
Following Davis for the Arabians were Wyatt Weaver 84, Carter Ray 88, Andrew Tilton 97 and Tyler Patterson 101.
The whole Bulldog squad, Davis and Weaver were named to the All-County team. Lapel last won the title in 2016, while Pendleton held the honor for 2017 and 18.
“I’m proud of the team. They know how they can play. All-County for all individuals is pretty exciting,” Crosley said.
The Bulldogs defeated Hamilton Heights and Elwood on May 1, 169 to 185 and 238. McAtee was the medalist with a 39. Other scores were Vipperman 41, Fetty 42, Carroll 47, Renihan 47 and Ross Hagen 47.
Lapel defeated Frankton 155 to 190 on April 29. Vipperman was the medalist with a 37. Other scores were McAtee 39, Hagen 39, Fetty 40, Carroll 42 and Renihan 42.
Lapel is back in action May 15 with a home meet against Frankton with Alexandria and plays in the Muncie Central Invitational May 18.
After a May 7 home loss (167-158) to Fishers, the Arabians were set for Hamilton Southeastern May 8 and are to play host to the Hoosier Heritage Conference meet May 11 at Fall Creek Golf Course.