Neither Falcon head coach Neil Boden nor his boys golf team are burying themselves under unrealistic expectations this season. They've cast aside the bravado of talking about league titles and turned their focus entirely to becoming better golfers and enjoying their time out on the course.

"The thing that stands out most about this team is the camaraderie," said Boden, who appreciates his team's ability to forego the drama that typically accompanies a high school sports team. "They're just a fun-loving group of guys, they all like each other and, whether it's a win or it's a loss, they all seem to be having a good time just being out here and playing."

Competition in the Bay Valley Athletic League is fierce. Perennial powers De La Salle, Clayton Valley and Liberty typically dominate the top spots, and Ygnacio Valley is making significant strides in its golf program. The Falcons would be pleased to finish in the top half of the league this season.

"I always expect them to play well, but realistically we're in a league with De La Salle and Clayton and Liberty," said Boden. "My first year coaching we tied for third with Clayton and the next year we finished fourth out of eight teams, so that's pretty good. My hope is that we'll finish in the top 50 percent again."

If the Falcons are going to finish in the top half of the BVAL this year, they'll need another strong season from No. 1 golfer Blake Bertrand. Bertrand, a senior, is a dedicated and talented golfer who works long and hard honing his skills, even in the off-season. That commitment has paid off for Bertrand, who made it to the North Coast Section qualifier last year and has his sights set on advancing even further this season.

"The competition is intense and you have to work really hard at it and it takes a lot of dedication," Bertrand said regarding his commitment to his game. "The skill level it takes to play is amazing - it's impossible to just go out and practice an hour a day and be good at it. You have to live, eat and breath it."

Bertrand's teammates seem to have taken notice of his work ethic. He's been pleasantly surprised to find some of his younger teammates already out on the course working on their game when he arrives to practice, and some of those same players staying and working on their game even after he's packed it in for the day.

The Falcons travel to play Deer Valley on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.