Expectations for the season set by ASU 's surprise victory

The Augusta State University golf team stunned some in the golf world by toppling Georgia Tech, Florida State and Oklahoma State en route to winning the Division I national title.

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While many fans were shocked by ASU's title run, those who follow golf closely knew that the Jags had the talent capable of winning it all. However, the accomplishment of a tiny commuter school, even one just down the street from golf's holy land, was still a phenomenal accomplishment.

One of the keys to ASU's success at the national championships was the play of Evans native Carter Newman. Newman, now a senior, returns along with all of the Jags' top five players. Head coach Josh Gregory also added Derek Chang, a talented transfer from the University of Minnesota.

Expectations will be sky-high this season. Golf Week recently rolled out its preseason poll, and ASU comes in at No. 2, behind Oklahoma State. The Cowboys return a talented group as well, led by U.S. Amateur Champion Peter Uihlein, and they have the good fortune of holding the NCAA Championships at their home course (Karsten Creek) in Stillwater, Okla.

Good luck to Carter and his teammates as they get set for the fall schedule.

Faloughi takes field

Local players shined in the University of Georgia's opening-week victory over Louisiana-Lafayette. As the Dogs cruised to a 55-7 victory, former Strom Thurmond standout Jakar Hamilton picked off a pass and returned it for a score, and former Westside star Sanders Cummings hauled in an acrobatic interception that had the announcers raving.

Reuben Faloughi didn't pick off a pass, but the former Evans High School standout did see game action. Faloughi, now a linebacker in Georgia's 3-4 scheme, walked on at UGA after his prep career with the Knights. He was awarded a scholarship by head coach Mark Richt this summer.

Columbia County teams featured

During the next few weeks, several games featuring Columbia County teams will be televised locally on Comcast.

Comcast has teamed with Play On Sports to bring a professional production that will make the prep athletes feel like college stars. On Sept. 24, the Evans Knights' matchup with North Augusta will be the featured game. The next week, on Oct. 1, there will be a battle of Columbia County teams as Greenbrier visits Lakeside. The final game on the schedule, on Oct. 29, could have major playoff implications and features a huge rivalry game as Lakeside visits Evans.

The games will air three times a week on Comcast Channels 4 and 104 but will also be available by Video On Demand so you can watch the games at your convenience. Simply go to Channel 1, then Get Local, then GHSA On Demand.