A handful of golfers will be returning to the greens for Franklin this fall, and Coach Bo Botelho will be looking at them to carry this team into the State Tournament. Last year, the Panthers put togethers an overall 10-6 record and went 9-3 in the Hockomock League and found themselves in fourth place behind neighboring King Philip, Foxboro and Mansfield at the Hockomock Championships. While the team did advance into the State Tournament, they didn't go to far. The Panthers also had a couple of golfers advance into the individual play they did not have a good showing.

Taking the reigns as the captains this fall will be seniors Ben Burgess and Tyler Perlman as well a junior Bryce Botelho. Burgess scored in all 17 matches for the panthers that he participated in, while Perlman scored in 16 of his 17 matches and Botelho's scoring counted in 12 of his 17 matches. Burgess and Perlman were named to the All-Star team while the junior was given honorable mention.

The three golfers had their scores count in 45 out of 51 matches that they took part in for an incredible 88%. That's an incredible stat, and the trio will definitely be looked upon to be the backbone of this Panther team this fall.

"Ben and Bryce play a very similar game with Ben being a bit more polished, but neither makes a lot of errant shots. They keep the ball in play and rely heavily on their chipping and putting skills, keeping things strategic," the Franklin Coach said. "Tyler on the other hand has a different style of game; he employs more speed and hits the ball further. He uses creativity and is more of an artist with his length from the tee."

Following the top three golfers is senior Ayden Doyle, sitting in the fourth spot, and although he his not anywhere near the top three golfers, he was able to have his score count in four of his 13 matches last fall. Botelho is hoping that the senior can increase his scoring percentage this fall. Doyle will hold onto the fourth spot for the time being, but in order to keep it, he's going to have to work hard, while his competitors are looking to unseat him in that spot.

The next tier of players includes two juniors in Jack Langis and Leo Swahn, as well as sophomore Albie Lomberto. Langis, according to the Coach, had probably the best tryout of everyone coming into the season. He is shooting the ball really good in the early goings. The trio of golfers were able to get into a total of 10 matches last fall for the Panthers. Unfortunately, none of their scores were good enough to count. Botelho noted that all three golfers know that they need to get better and step up their game if they want to make the scorecard.

Rounding out the team looking to find some playing time are sophomores Luke Swahn, Ethan Helm and Calvin Sacramone. Thus far, Swahn and Helm have put forth a better effort and had themselves a fantastic two days of tryouts. It's a huge advantage to being a top eight player, and there will be an intense battle between the lower six golfers hoping to secure a spot between 5 and 8.

Franklin also has four brand new players to the team this year: juniors Anthony Ficco and Sahil Patel; freshman Shemus Caruso and junior Tessah Rodrigues, a female first time golfer at franklin.

His fall King Philip will be dropping from the Kelly-Rex to the Davenport Division of the Hockomock changing the dynamic of league play. As the season gets closer to getting underway Botelho has three goals for his team: 1) to go undefeated in the Hockomock League winning all 10 of their matches in the Kelly-Rex, something he truly believes his squad can accomplish. 2) Make it to the State Sectional Tournament and 3) a goal that never changes - make it to the State Finals.

In addition to the team goals, the Panther Coach is also hoping that his plyers all try to work in three other goals throughout the season. Being a top eight golfer on the team gives players the opportunity to play in a match; being a top six golfer throughout the year allows the golfer to advance into the State Sectionals and being a top four golfer gives the individual the opportunity to play in the Hockomock League Championship.

"Every practice this fall will be intense," the Panther Coach said. "There is a lot on the line for all the players, and while we are looking to have a fun year, we are also looking for them to improve their games and do some good things."

Botelho believes that if Franklin takes to the fairways and plays with their full potential, then they can absolutely make it to the Finals, especially when nobody can beat them at their course.

Franklin was scheduled to open the season on September 5 against Attleboro.