Pirates off to fast start on links

Concord won last week's two-day Cougar Invitational hosted by Izard County Consolidated, marking the Pirates third event title of the young season.

The Pirates, who also captured the Cougar Invitational last season on their way to a runner-up finish in the state tournament, were led by senior Cameron Reesor's two-day total of 152. Reesor fired a round of 75 on the tournament's first day at Cooper's Hawk in Melbourne and added a score of 77 on the final day (Wednesday) at the Course at Turkey Mountain in Horseshoe Bend. Senior Ryan Cornelison followed with a 155, while junior Luke Cornett finished with a total of 156 for a three-player combined score of 463. Senior AJ Cannon (179) also competed for Concord.

Concord beat second-place Pocahontas by nine strokes and third-place Melbourne by 17 shots. Defending Class 1A-2A state champion Izard County Consolidated, Salem, Ridgefield Christian and Southside Batesville also participated in ICC's annual tournament.

The Pirates return all four players from last season's state runner-up team. Coach Keith Cornett said he likes his team's chances of taking the crown this season.

“We have the same team as last year. I didn't lose any kids so our expectation is to win it,” said Cornett. “There were some pretty good teams in the tournaments we have been in, and we have done good for a little school. So far we are off to a good start.”

Earlier this month, Concord won the White County Carnival Tournament as Cornelison led the way with a score of 78, while Cornett and Reesor each fired 18-hole rounds of 81 for a total of 240, which was 20 shots in front of runner-up Melbourne.

On Thursday, Aug. 2 the Pirates visited Red Apple outside Heber Springs for a match with the Class 4A Panthers and Class 5A Beebe Badgers. Concord blew away its competition with a three-player total of 238, including a team-high round of 76 by Cornelison. Cornett followed with an 80 and Reesor finished with an 82. Cannon (92) also competed for the Pirates.

Concord travels to Mountain Ranch at Fairfield Bay on Friday, then to Conway's Cadron Valley Country Club next Tuesday.