Franklin Regional golf coach Jeff Traphagen said before the 2025 Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association tournament Sept. 11 that any team could win.
“There is a lot of balance this season,” Traphagen said. “I am eager to see how things turn out for our individuals and team.”
Traphagen was right: Things were tight.
Kiski Area ended up winning the Class 3A title by edging Latrobe, 389-390. Norwin ended up two strokes ahead of Franklin Regional, 396-398.
“It ended up close,” Traphagen said. “Kiski Area’s younger players came through.”
The Panthers had two individuals medalists — Dylan Mauser was seventh with a 74 and Colin Holt was 10th with a 76.
Mauser and Holt have been the Panthers’ top scorers all season.
The Panthers are 8-0 in Section 4-3A, ahead of second-place Central Catholic (6-1). The teams were scheduled to meet for a second time this season Sept. 12.
“When we face Central Catholic at Edgewood Country Club, it is going to be a close match,” Traphagen said. “Hopefully we play well again.”
Senior Anthony Poole finished 15th with an 80, senior Noah Venters was 23rd with an 81 and senior Luca Betrucci and junior Reid Farberow each shot an 87.
“We match up well against Latrobe, Kiski Area and Belle Vernon,” Traphagen said. “It depends on the day.”
Many of the golfers said the conditions of the Latrobe Elks course – firm and fast – played a role in the scores being elevated.
A lot of the players felt the pin positions were difficult.
The Panthers have clinched a berth in the WPIAL playoffs, which begin Oct. 6.
Individual tournament action was scheduled to begin Sept. 15.