By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

While the means proved much more stressful for Westlake’s top-ranked golf team compared to 2008, the end looked the same as the Chaps successfully defended their Class 5A Region IV title.

The Chaps edged San Antonio Reagan 17-15 in a one-hole playoff after the two teams completed yesterday’s second round at Pecan Valley Golf Course in San Antonio tied at 585. That result contrasted with Westlake’s 22-stroke victory over the Rattlers last year, but it also reflected the Chaps’ ability to deliver in the clutch, Coach Callan Nokes said.

With the win, Westlake qualified for the state tournament at Jimmy Clay Golf Course May 14-15.

Trent Redfern, who finished tied for sixth with a 72-75 147, delivered a key birdie on the par-4 first hole of playoff to help clinch the victory.

Redfern received plenty of help from one of the deepest teams in the state. Brenden Redfern, Trent’s younger brother, led Westlake with a second-place score of 72-72 144, and Tim Mitchell tied for fourth with a 70-76 146.

Alex Ellis finished ninth with a 74-74 148, and Eli Juren completed Westlake’s team score with a 75-78 152.

Gold medalist Chris Contreras fired a 67-73 140, which helped Reagan rally from a four-stroke deficit after the first day and reach the state tournament.

Westlake’s second team finished seventh with a 306-322 628 and drew the praise of Nokes.

“They played great,” he said. “Finishing seventh out of 16 teams completed a fantastic year in which two teams advanced from district.”

Daniel Northington led Westlake II with a 75-76 151. Michael McCall shot a 74-78 152, Paul Otte fired a 77-88 165, Greg Rosson shot an 80-86 166, and Paul Campbell carded an 82-87 169.