PDT Sports Writer

FRIENDSHIP - It's a two horse race in the SOC II. West came into the third conference match looking to add to their eight-stroke lead. Wheelersburg came in to the match looking to cut into that lead.

The Senators were able to extend their lead to 12 strokes, shooting a team total of 155 on Tuesday evening at Shawnee State Park Golf Course. Overall SOC Player of the Year front-runner Nathan Brandenburg shot a 39 for West.

Brandenburg lead by one stroke over Joe Dials and Charles Floyd of Wheelersburg.

“It is always fun to play the last (SOC) match there (the Elks) because anything can happen and go down at the Elks,” said Brandenburg. “I'm going to have some good competition behind me. Matt Simpson my own teammate and Joe Dials and Charles Floyd, they will all be pushing. Everyone wants that SOC Player of the Year title. I'll just play my own game and not worry about other scores until the end.”

Behind Brandenburg's 39 was Matt Folsom and Noah O'Rourke both also fired 39s for the Senators. Charlie Cooper recorded the low score for West checking in with a 38.

The Pirates finished five shots behind the Senators, shooting a 159, Floyd fired an even par 36 to earn medalist honors.

“I came into the third SOC match five down from the lead,” said Floyd. “I knew I had to hit the ball pretty well to make up some shots. I'm not going to be able to do it very well at the Elks, because West always plays good there.”

Floyd started off quickly then just made pars to fire his low round and to climb back into the SOC Player of the Year race.

“I got off to a pretty good start, birdied two of the first three holes and made a bunch of pars coming in,” said Floyd.

Following Floyd's 36 was Dials with a 37, Andrew Rawlings, Matt Montavon, and Casey Pennington all recorded 42 for the Pirates.

The victory for West puts them up by a dozen strokes heading into the final SOC match of the year Thursday, Sept. 28 at the Elks Country Club.

Valley finished third tonight to solidify third place in the league with a 175. Trent Burchett fired a 41 to lead the Indians. Zach Bukiewicz and Matt Evans both shot 43 and Andrew Adams came in with a 48 to round out the scoring for Valley.

Northwest came with a 183 gong low for the Mohawks was Cory Prose with a 45.

Minford came in with 184 Colin Stimpert and Travis Johnson both fired 43's for the Falcons.

Waverly came in with a score of 187. Phillip Tackett was the low-man for the Tigers with a 44.

BRET BEVENS can be reached at (740)-353-3101 ext. 242.

Medalist - Charles Floyd (WB) 36

West - Nathan Brandenburg 39, Charlie Cooper 38, Matt Folsom 39, Noah O'Rourke 39

Wheelersburg - Charles Floyd 35, Joe Dials 37, Matt Montavon 42 Andrew Rawlings 42

Valley - Trent Burchett 41, Zach Bukiewicz 43, Matt Evans 43, Andrew Adams 48

Northwest - Cory Prose 45, Jeremiah Trissler 43 Eric Hill 48, Kyle McCain 48

Minford - Colin Stimpert 43, Travis Johnson 43, Casey Zempter 46, Tommy Hempill 48

Waverly - Phillip Tackett 44, Shane Rouse 47, Van Leveir 47, Curtis Husk 53