Winning a state championship, in any sport, is the pinnacle of high school athletics and just about the only thing that could make it better is winning a state championship in your own backyard.

The Gautier boys golf team can relate, taking home the 5A team crown yesterday at Shell Landing Golf Course in Gautier.

The Gators won the title by two strokes with a total score of 664 led by Individual State Champion Peyton Russell, who shot a 146 over the two-day tournament, nine strokes better than second place.

Helping him hold up the trophy were teammates Damian Bacala, Sam Cox, Will Dickerson, and Mo Gregory.

This is the first state title for the Gautier golf program, led by Tommy Brewer, and the second this year for the school, following in the footsteps of the girls powerlifting team.