GALLIPOLIS — The 2009 varsity golf season officially began for both River Valley and Gallia Academy on Tuesday, as the two Gallia County high schools joined with Portsmouth and South Point for a quad match at Cliffside Golf Course.

Led by medalist Corey Hamilton’s 1-over par round of 37, the host Blue Devils started the season on a good note with convincing 34-stroke victory in the team competition. South Point — with a team score of 193 — came in as the runner-up.

Portsmouth was third with a team score of 211, while the Raiders were just three shots back with a 214.

Right behind Hamilton for GAHS was Nick Saunders with a 38, followed by Rob Canaday with a 41. Both Jordan Cornwell and Boeing Smith posted matching 43s, while Daniel Rees also posted a 51 on the day. The four-lowest scores make up the team score.

RVHS was led by Chris Goodrich with a 49, followed by Cody Wimmer and Jacob Leach with respective rounds of 52 and 55. Dan Goodrich rounded out the team score with a 56. Matt Ball and Zack Polcyn also posted scores of 58 and 60, respectively.

SPHS was led by Callie Taylor with a 46, followed by matching rounds of 49 from Wes Hall, Wyatt Hall and Zac Taylor. Tyler G. also had a round of 60 for the Pointers.

Portsmouth was led by Evan Sommer and Ian Rowland with matching 49s, followed by Cody Minton with a 53. Levi Porter rounded out the Trojans’ scoring with a 60. Collin Poage and Joey Ambargey also had respective rounds of 53 and 64 for PHS.