After taking the 4A state boys golf championship in 2006, Spanish Springs was left with a sour taste in its mouth after coming up 13 strokes short of Palo Verde in its defense of the title last year.

That could end up being a good thing for a team that is returning four seniors who played on last season' state runner-up squad.

"I hope so. We certainly talked about it a lot," SSHS coach Victor Sherbondy said. "From what I can tell, the guys are pretty hungry. They've spent a lot of hours on the course already. They're getting back to the way they were when they were a little younger and are excited to be out there. They know they have a great chance at doing something special this year.

"We talked about not letting that opportunity slip through their hands because opportunities like this don't come around too often."

Seniors Ren Wilson, Scott Perea, Anthony Pair and Gatlin Harris are all back. Both Wilson and Perea have reached state all three years and want to go out on top.

"Ren and Robert are great players," Sherbondy said. "If you look at the history of Northern Nevada boys golf, they have to be in the top 10 of all time. Ren and Robert have made state every year since their freshman year, and they hope to go to state again in their senior year obviously."

Wilson was the team's most consistent golfer last year and won the regional tournament at Genoa Lakes with rounds of 73 and 79. However, he struggled in the final round at state, following up a 76 with an 86 to fall to 14th.

Perea showed signs of brilliance at times last year, but it didn't come together until state when his second-round 75 not only led the Cougars, but it helped him finish in a tie for fourth.

While Sherbondy doesn't know who will replace Zach Beebe and Scott Kelly in the top six, freshman Jordan Tilmore is expected to be in the scoring mix for the Cougars. The final spot in the weekly tourneys is up for grabs and could be for the majority of the season.

But Sherbondy likes where the program is poised to remain with a good mix of young and older golfers. He said the Cougs have three very good freshmen and sophomores, one junior and five seniors.

Spanish Springs will also be participating in more tournaments than it ever has in the past, including the Red Hawk Invitational it's hosting Monday, the day before the High Desert League starts at Sierra Sage.

Four teams from California will be at the Red Hawk Invitational, while local schools Galena, Manogue, and McQueen will all bring a couple squads. Carson, Douglas and Elko will also be there.

The Cougars aren't the only local team trying to qualify for the regional tournament.

Reed, which struggled as a team a year ago, is looking to improve under second-year coach Dustin Hall.

The Raiders have had individuals qualify for the regional tournament the past two seasons. Junior Nick Stefan made it as a freshman, but missed out last year, while teammate sophomore Jake Nelson qualified as a freshman a year ago.

Nelson was one shot away from making the state tournament as an individual, but had to settle for 11th place overall at regionals, carding an 81 and 79 for a 160 total.

"He's grown up and gotten a little stronger," Hall said of Nelson. "He's gotten smarter and I see him competing every week. We have almost all the team back from last year, so we have a lot of kids who can step up and help our team compete for a regional spot."

Hall also said Stefan is playing really well right now after working hard the past year.

If the girls golf season in the fall was any indication, the trading of Galena, Fallon and Manogue for Reno, Hug and North Valleys would make the High Desert League the weaker of the two golf leagues. That can only help Reed though.

"Other than Spanish Springs, I don't know much about the other teams, but I don't see why we won't be competing for the first, second or third spot," Hall said.