Editor’s Note: This article is part of our “Throwback Thursday” series. This article is from our May 12, 2004 files.

It was getting late as the final group of golfers approached the 18th hole at Hampton Cove in Huntsville.

 

Andalusia Bulldog Rodger Caffey was in the last group along with UMS-Wright’s Hunter Bronson and Wes Smith from Brooks High School.

 

Andalusia held a two-stroke edge against UMS-Wright going in the second and final day of the AHSAA Class 4A State Golf Championship. Each team sent out five golfers on Tuesday knowing the top four players would count toward the team score for the day.

 

As Caffey and Bronson wrapped up their round, the two teams were practically tied. Both teams had a score of 72 and two scores of 75. Each team also had a high score ready to be dropped from the team total if their golfer in the final group posted a better score.

 

As it turned out, Caffey finished out and turned in his scorecard. It had a nice red number in the final column. He had shot 1-under-par with a round of 71. Was it enough?

 

It was more than enough. Brunson shot an 80 on championship Tuesday, which meant the Andalusia Bulldogs had ended the UMS-Wright dynasty. UMS-Wright had won 11 straight state championships, including six straight Class 4A titles. UMS-Wright had won 13 of the last 14 state championships.

 

Andalusia head coach Daniel Bulger was not as worried about the outcome as the parents checking the updates on the internet.

 

“Roger had about four holes left when I thought we had it won,” Bulger said.

 

Caffey led the way for Andalusia with rounds of 72 and 71 to finish the state champion ship at 1-under-par (143) and third in state behind Trinity’s Matthew Spann (75-65—140) and Alexandria’s Nick Hughes (71-71—142). They were the only three golfers in Class 4A to finish the two-day championship under par.

 

Mark Chambers also did his part for the Bulldogs. He shot a 77 on Monday and the shaved five strokes off his game to finish the second round at even par with a score of 72. Chambers finished in a tie for eighth in the state in Class 4A at 5-over-par.

 

Zach Portemont finished tied for 28th in the state in Class 4A with a two-round score of 160 (16-over-par). He shot an 82 on Tuesday and his score was dropped from the team total.

 

So, how does it feel to be state champs?

 

“It feels good. I’m proud of them,” Bulger said. “It was out best round of the season.”