INLAND FIELDHOUSE

I’m covering the Riverside Poly-Corona Santiago boys varsity golf match for The Press-Enterprise today. The best part of this assignment is sure to be witnessing another Bears-Sharks battle for a Big VIII League title.

THE LOWDOWN:
The Bears (13-0 overall, 10-0 Big VIII) are a victory away from their second consecutive league title, and will need big performances from its top players (Eric Cross, David Gazzolo) to make it happen. Coach Ed Jones’ team won by just eight shots in its earlier match against Santiago on March 9.

The Sharks (13-2, 8-1) are coming off a non-league, three-shot loss to Temecula Great Oak on April 15, and need to defeat Poly to claim a share of a Big VIII title. Coach John Lane will rely heavily on senior Taylor Hood and freshman Aaron Wise to keep from being swept by the Bears this season.

TEE TO GREEN:
Poly — Cross, Gazzolo, Gonzalez, Hjulberg, Millazo, Stone, et al.

Santiago — Hood, Fettig, Nepomucemo, Odom, Tecson, Wise, et al.

THE DIFFERENCE:
These two teams are so evenly matched that there should be no surprise if today’s match is won by one. To wit: The Bears edged the Sharks for second place, 379-380, at Poly’s Homer Classic Tournament in late March. A big performance from Poly senior (and goof-in-residence) Clay Hjulberg may be necessary for the first time in his high school career.