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Preseason power rankings: YAIAA golf


The fall sports season has already arrived.

Things kicked off on Aug. 18 with the first golf matches of the season. Here's a look at five teams worth checking out this season.

Preseason power rankings

1. Central York 

The Panthers enter 2016 with a new head coach in Sean Guerin following the retirement of Mike Ruby. They'll also have to replace Gus Minkin, who graduated after winning gold in the league, district and regional tournaments. But despite those changes, Central York is still the team to beat in both Division I and the YAIAA. The Panthers bring back a number of talented golfers including Julianne Lee, Joe Parrini, Matt Bricker and Brady St. Pierre. Highly-touted freshman Carson Bacha should also give the lineup a boost.

2. Eastern York 

Last year's Division II champion Golden Knights have lost some top players but still bring back a good amount of talent. Alexandra Lowder, who finished seventh at districts last season, should once again be one of the top golfers — male or female — in the league. And senior Zach Dixon is also back after missing the regional tournament by one stroke. Still, Eastern will have to replace the production of 2016 graduates Andrew Davis and Kevin Crumbling.

3. Dallastown

The Wildcats finished third in Division I last season but could be in position to take a step forward. Senior Blake Sebring is one of the league's most accomplished returnees, coming off a 10th-place finish at districts last season and a trip to regionals. Brady Williams, Evan Greenplate and Darin Wise form a solid team around Sebring. It won't be easy for any team in Division I to top Central, but Dallastown might have the best shot.

4. York Catholic

The Fighting Irish won Division III last season and bring back almost all of their top players. Senior Andrew Forjan will once again lead the lineup after finishing second in the District 3 Class AA tournament last season. Key players Josh Stewart, Steven Nigro and Jon Giambalvo are also back.

5. Spring Grove

The Rockets finished second in Division I in 2015 and bring back three of last season's top five players in seniors Luke Huffnagle and Mason Staub and sophomore Ty Gladhill. With just two seniors on the roster, Spring Grove will need to count on a number of young players this season. Head coach Dave Childress said sophomore Brandon Simmons will be a newcomer to watch.