Difficult playing conditions at Crystal Falls Golf Club didn’t help the boys from North Forsyth and South Forsyth Tuesday, as both teams fell short of making the state playoffs at a rainy Region 7-AAAAA tournament in Dawsonville.

South’s total of 307 was just three shots shy of second place Peachtree Ridge, with Norcross’s 298 taking first place in a competitive field.

Leading the way for North (sixth place, 319) were Travis Rowe (78) and Jake Edwards (79), while teammates Justin Stewart and Philip Black both shot 81 over 18 holes during intermittent bursts of rain.

“We missed some opportunities but overall had a solid score,” said North coach Nathan Turner. “Weather changes everything … it played a factor in the boys gelling into a pattern.”

Norcross set the pace throughout, leaving the rest to battle it out for the final playoff spot. As the afternoon progressed, Peachtree Ridge and South emerged as the main contenders in what Turner called “the toughest region in the state.”  

Despite ending the season without a postseason appearance, Turner was full of praise for his team.

“We had the best season ever … winning three tournaments and breaking records. We have great seniors and underclassmen,” he said.

“They represented North Forsyth High School with a lot of dignity and pride today.”