Randolph-Henry High School’s varsity golf team will miss some of its seniors from last year’s squad who graduated, but some key returners are expected and high-level success in a new Virginia High School League (VHSL) alignment is expected as well.

Last year, the Statesmen won the Quad Rivers Conference 34, James River District and Region 2A East championships, finishing as runners-up in the VHSL Group 2A state tournament.

“I feel like hopefully we can win the district again, and I feel good, hopefully we can get back to region and maybe go back to the state,” R-H Head Coach Kelly Powell said.

Gone due to graduation are George Thomas Sandridge, Mitch Dunn, Gunnar Lacks and Matthew Myers.

Noting that most of them had a consistent presence in the team’s top six, Powell said, “Those four will truly be missed.”

Four seniors he hopes will make a difference this year include Evan Mason, Logan Newcomb, Eli Moore and Nathan Towery.

“Three of those were in the top six last year, but Logan has played in several matches the last two years, so hopefully we can lean on them to be our leaders this year and do well,” Powell said.

He also said he hopes to see juniors Larkin Jackson and Skylar Lacks get more playing time.

Powell noted that the VHSL is going back to four regions this year, with only one team from each region going to the state tournament.

“That means we’ve got to win our region,” he said.

The Statesmen will be part of Region A — Class 2, which will feature some familiar district foes, but also new opponents.

“I feel good about the region we’re in,” Powell said. “Hopefully we can get out of the region and make it back to the state, but that’s my goals anyway, our goals.”

R-H opens its season Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at Briery Country Club.