BROOKVILLE — C.G. Mercatoris of Brookville ignored the cold, sometimes rainy conditions Saturday to card a one-over-par 71 at his home course, the Pinecrest Country Club, and easily win the District 9 boys golf championship.
The Blue Raider senior had posted a 69 during team competition Monday to grab a six-stroke lead, and his 69-71–140 bested Chase Zamperini of Redbank Valley by 10 strokes. The runner-up finished 75-75–150.
The other six District 9 golfers to qualify for the first PIAA Western Regional Oct. 16 at the Tom\’s River Golf Course near Blairsville are Aaron Stenta (78-76–154) of Ridgway, Drew Nedzinski (77-78–155) of DuBois Central Catholic, 2005 champion Kevin Smith (75-80–155) of Elk County Catholic, Bill Egger (80-77-157) of Ridgway, Chris Sabolick (78-80-158) of Port Allegany and Zac Burley (79-80-159) of DuBois Central Catholic. A playoff was necessary to determine the final qualifier, Burley beating out Alex Nichamin of Brookville and Drew Kapp of Bradford with a par-3 on the third extra hole.
