The Eastside Eagles boys and girls golf teams both took home wins over their county rivals in the Newton Cup finals Wednesday. 

Leading scorers for the boys were freshman Griffin Autry who shot a 38, Wes Connor who shot a 44 and Curtis Broadnax and Wyatt Hamby who both shot a 45. On the girls side, Katelyn Townley shot a career best 43 at the cup.

The victory allowed the Eastside squad to place a checkmark by one of its desired accomplishments for the season.

“Winning the Newton Cup is always one of our team goals every year,” boys head coach Jay Cawthon said. “Winning it this year hopefully gives us some momentum going into the area tournament in a couple of weeks.” Head girls coach Dennis Jones said more for of the same, citing the win as a major confidence builder heading into postseason play. 

Turning both teams into Newton Cup champions, as well as motivating potential stars in the sport is something both Cawthon and Jones are used to doing. Autry, who led the boys team, is only a freshman and is held in high regard with Cawthon. 

“He has a lot of game and has a chance to become one of the best we’ve had here at Eastside,” Cawthon said. 

Junior Landon Farill is regarded as a team leader as well. He made state last year individually and is looking to do the same this year. 

“Both guys work extremely hard,” Cawthon said. For the girls, all three Lady Eagles shot their best scores of the season led by Townley’s career best mark.

Because golf can be a stressful sport, both coaches prioritize keeping their players calm through the stress in order to guide them to success. 

“I try to help our guys really from the mental part of the game. I try to keep them calm and to just have fun,” Cawthon said. “This is the hardest game in the world and it can really take a toll on you if you let it.” 

 Cawthon also explained the pride he has in his team and the way they’ve worked hard to improve as a unit throughout the season. 

“I am proud of the way we practice and are trying to improve,” he said. “We have a few guys where this is their first year playing and have come a long way.”

For both teams’ coaches and players, the main goal is simple: qualify for state in the area tournaments. 

It’s the next item on the agenda for both teams, as it provides an opportunity for Eastside to show that’s not just the best in Newton County, but also one of the best in the area and the state.

“The guys are working pretty hard to reach that goal,” Cawthon said. “The girls are also working just as hard if not harder to make a name for themselves.”