By Brett Brown

For The Observer

Northwest Mississippi Community College sophomore golfer Grant Goforth picked up right where he left off last season by leading the Rangers to a second place finish at the Gulf Coast Invitational on Feb.  8-9. The tournament was the 2010 opener for all MACJC schools.

Goforth, of Batesville, was tied for first place after the initial day of the event which was held at Sunkist Country Club in Biloxi. Goforth shot an even-par 72 to help Northwest take a one-stroke lead into the second day.

Goforth turned in a score of 78 on Day Two of the tournament at Grand Bear Golf Club in Saucier for a total score of six-over-par 150. He placed one stroke behind runner-up behind Derin Petite of Copiah-Lincoln who shot a 149.

Goforth, the lone sophomore on the Ranger squad this season, made the All-Region team as a freshman and participated in the NJCAA Division III National Tournament.

As a team, Northwest shot a 305-325-630 for the runner-up spot in the event. The Rangers placed two strokes behind champion Gulf Coast, which carded a 313-315-628.

Northwest freshman Richard Howell of Nesbit tied for ninth place with a score of 75-82-157, while freshman Garrett Tidwell of Southaven tied for 14th with a 78-82-160. Ryan Williams of Southaven tied for 20th place with an 80-83-163, Nathan Pawlak of Stuart, Fla., tied for 39th place with an 82-88-170, and Justin Jones of Olive Branch placed 56th with an 88-89-177.