Flathead dealt some blows, but in the end Glacier golf still holds the Crosstown Cup.

The Wolfpack took seven of the 10 matches Thursday at Village Greens to keep the trophy and set off the Valley schools on another season. 

“Today allowed them to loosen up and have more of a team mentality rather than the individual when they get to more of the AA tournaments,” first-year Glacier coach Cory Snipes said. “It helps them to know that they can lean on their teammates and it pulls a bit of stress off of the early season where they are so worried about their individual scores.” 

While the trophy remains on the north side of Kalispell, the boys and girls from the south side delivered some key moments. 

Talon McDonle had one as he gave Flathead a point with a birdie putt on the 18th green to win his best-ball match, 1-up. 

“(Talon) sat his (second) shot down about eight or nine feet away for a birdie putt,” McDonie’s teammate Jacobe Sullenger said. “Sitting behind it I almost didn’t trust his line, I almost stopped him, but I am glad I didn’t. He knocked it down.” 

Not to be outdone, Will Lovelady and Boston Jackson delivered Flathead another victory with an 18th green putt. 

“The kids are competing; the cup didn’t come to Flathead but we are going to keep working at it,” Flathead coach Phil Jackson said. 

A little different from last year’s format, which featured best ball and singles matches, Thursday saw just 10 best-ball showdowns. 

Glacier’s boys saw some stellar performances as well, namely from Torrin Murray and Elliot Anderson. 

Murray shot an unofficial 6-under-par 64 over his 18 holes, while Anderson was 1-over with a 71. The pairing won their matchup. 

Snipes also found some great performances from JV players looking to move their way up the depth chart. 

“It was fun to watch those kids that are always on the bubble and they absolutely smashed it,” Snipes said. 

Glacier nabbed four of the girls matches as well to help secure the victory. 

Jackson added that he was greatly impressed with the play of Hadley McDonald and Ella Bubar for Flathead. 

“They had a really nice performance while Becky Schmidt and Hayden Ward competed well and had a tight match,” Jackson said. 

Both teams now prepare for the first AA tournament of the season Monday in Missoula. 

Reporter Jon Allen can be reached at 406-758-4426 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.