Soon after his Dover-Sherborn team clinched a spot in the Division 2 Central sectional, senior captain Jai Moulton booked a weekend tee time at tournament host Blissful Meadows Golf Club.
It wasn’t hard to get a tee time; it was pouring rain all afternoon.
“It was one of those days where you don’t even bring rain gear, because you know you’re going to get soaked,” Moulton said. “For some reason, I always play well in the rain.”
It wasn’t quite The Bishop’s final round, but the senior still turned in a respectable showing despite the conditions.
“I think I was 2- or 3-under on the back nine,” Moulton said. “I always look at it as an advantage, since a lot of guys go out and they’re complaining about it. For me, I’m just like ‘Alright, it’s time to go get this.’ ”
That’s how important it is for Moulton the Raiders to be prepared for any course and any conditions once tournament time rolls around.
“It’s impossible to feel comfortable at a course without playing it. You’ve got to know where to miss, the slopes of the greens, and we’ve got to put the time in,” D-S coach Jon Kirby said. “That’s the key. We’ve got higher goals, and we want to make a run at the whole thing. I’m fortunate that the kids love the game. We’ve been together for a long time and I sure would like to keep playing with them.”
This year’s squad, sitting 11-2, is senior-heavy, with Moulton joined by Matt Bowen, Brennan Cavaliero, and Ian Mauro in the leadership group.
“We’ve all been out there [together] for the last three years, we know what we’re looking at,” Cavaliero said. “We’re able to rely on each other. Playing with [Bowen], I’ve gotten to know him really well, and I’m really comfortable out there with him.”
Cavaliero and the other seniors have made it a point to build up the underclassmens’ confident.
“I tell them there’s nothing to worry about. It’s not the end of the world when they have a bad round,” he said. “They ask me if they’re even going to play tomorrow. I was asking the same thing as a freshman, but I make sure they’re not hanging their heads.”
Before the MIAA postseason, the Raiders are staring down a battle for the league title with fellow Tri-Valley contender Norton, on the final day of the regular season at TPC Boston.
“It’s not like basketball, where the hoop’s 10 feet everywhere. [The course] really makes a difference,” Kirby said. “We’ve got our work cut out for us in the regular season, but at the same time trying to prepare for the postseason. You blink, and the season’s gone. It’s a complete sprint.”
Moulton relishes the opportunity to play on tour-level courses, whether during summer tournaments or a cold October afternoon.
“I watched the FedEx Cup [at TPC Boston] when I was a kid, so I always get goosebumps playing there,” he said. “Honestly, it’s a pretty scorable place, but you do have to have really good course management. Definitely looking forward to that match; it should be a lot of fun.”
Moulton is the defending Tri-Valley MVP and ended up finishing sixth in Division 2 Central last fall, before placing fourth at the D2 championship.
“He’s a special player. I think he’s the best-ever for me,” Kirby said of Moulton. “Very dedicated to the game, and puts in as much time as he possibly can.”
Just how far can the Raiders go, in the final year of Sectional meets before the MIAA’s new format kicks in for 2027?
“I’m looking forward to sectionals, and a super incredible course,” Moulton said. “Hopefully get to states, give it a run. All I can do is put forth my best self and see what happens.”
“It’s the last time we’re all going to be able to do it,” Cavaliero added. “Just trying to make a couple more memories and make it something I won’t be able to forget.”
Tee shots
▪ Blaise Chatigny and Sandwich had quite a day at Sandwich Hollows on Thursday.
The Blue Knights took down Cape & Islands Atlantic rival Nauset by one stroke, 237-238, qualifying for the postseason and clinching a share of the league title in the process.
Chatigny, a senior, broke the school record with a mind-boggling 6-under-par 30 in a bogey-free round that featured an eagle and two birdies.
Junior Oliver Smith carded a 4-under 32 for Nauset, also setting a school record.
▪ One of Eastern Massachusetts’ last remaining unbeatens fell at Brookmeadow last week, when BC High defeated Xaverian, 219-221.
Just three remain: Hingham (14-0-0), Newburyport (11-0-0), and Old Rochester (11-0-0).
Hingham stayed perfect with three wins in three days, defeating Plymouth South, Silver Lake, and Pembroke thanks to low numbers from freshman standout Michael Rogers.
Newburyport twice surpassed the 180-point mark in Cape Ann wins against Manchester Essex and North Reading. Seniors Gavin Goich and Jack Oreal were key contributors for the Clippers, as was junior Sam Lukens.
Joe Eachus can be reached at joseph.eachus@globe.com. Follow him @joeeachus_.