Upper Perkiomen's coed golf team starts the current season with its deepest roster in years, according to head coach John Brittain. He said that for the first time in quite a while, its top eight players could post fairly similar scores.

            Returning all but one key player, the Indians could have the depth to compete

Ethan Smith watches as Blake Gehman makes a  putt during the first day of team practice at Macoby Run Golf Course on Monday.

against most teams in the Pioneer Athletic Conference. Two seniors and three juniors make up the top five players. However, Brittain said Tuesday he was not prepared to identify the team's top player.

            "I'm not sure if we have a No. 1 player," he said.

            Seniors Zack Silver and Blake Gehman will get the first opportunity to grab that mantle. Both will play in the top group during Thursday's season-opening match against Quakertown at Butter Valley Golf Course in Upper Hanover.

            Silver, a regular contributor the past two seasons after cracking the starting lineup as a ninth grader, has made significant strides hitting his driver over the summer, according to Brittain.

            "During the first two days of practice, Zack has hit some really good drives," the coach said of Silver, who played several rounds over the summer. "He can make it a valuable weapon. In the past, he has been able to maneuver around the golf course by just hitting irons off the tee."

Gehman, who played most of last season as the Indians No. 2 golfer, relies on a powerful driver. The coach said he expects the senior's game to improve as the season goes on.

            "If Blake hits the driver where he wants to, he's going to score," Brittain said.

            The strength of Branden Rozanski's game is his consistency, according to the coach. Brittain said he expects the junior to work his way into the top group at some point in the season.  "Branden is just solid," the coach said of Rozanski, who usually shoots between 40 and 44 during a nine-hole match. "Based on his wrestling experience, you know the moment is not going to be too big for him."

            Ethan Smith, the second of three 11th graders, should provide consistent scores in the middle of the lineup. Brittain said Joe Carnesi had two solid days of practice to open the season.  "Joe is hitting the ball further than ever," the coach said.

            A promising group of underclassmen could force their way into the starting lineup. Brittain said they have the ability to put up consistent scores.

            "I don't know if we have anyone who can put up super low scores," he said. "Hopefully they can avoid the big numbers."

            The Indians open their conference schedule Aug. 23 against Perkiomen Valley in Macoby Run. Though the Marlborough Township facility will continue to serve as their home, the team will take on Pope John Paul II on Aug. 29 at Butter Valley, their alternate home course.

            "The more courses our guys can get on, the better," said Brittain, who explained that the shift was necessary to accommodate scheduling conflicts at Macoby Run.