LAPLACE — Of all his years coaching golf at St. Charles Catholic, Gary Zeringue seems to be most excited about this one.

He has four of five starters from last year’s regional qualifying team returning. That includes two seniors, one junior, four sophomores and a freshman. Together they are making things happen. The team is currently 12-4.

“They are very competitive,” Zeringue said. “They just love to play. They make each other competitive in a positive way.”

Among the players are several who split time among several sports. Senior Jacob Jensen plays football, baseball, golf and swims. Sometimes, he has to catch up to the rest of the team wherever they are practicing or playing. Sometimes he has to just work on his own or with his dad.

“I might get tired sometimes but wouldn’t want to give one up,” Jensen said. “I like golf. I’ve been playing it practically my whole life.”

If there is a driver of the team (pardon the pun), it’s sophomore Mikey Landry. He plays golf and only golf.

“Since I was 2,” Landry said. “I picked up one of my dad’s clubs and it’s been a blast ever since.”

Probably the most accomplished — he was the only Comet’s golfer to qualify for state last season, where he finished fifth out of 48 golfers in Division III — and certainly the most consistent.

Landry has his coach and his teammates hoping for big things this season.

“He’s good,” Jensen said. “We’re hoping this is our year.”

Like the rules of golf itself, the rules governing the high school sport are complicated. St. Charles has elected to play an independent schedule, eschewing the traditional district format.

That allows the Comets to schedule competition at their will, rather than a district structure.

They still will compete at the District Tournament April 18 at Squirrel Run in New Iberia. The top four teams plus the top four individuals qualify for the Regional Meet April 26 at Atchafalaya Golf Course in Patterson. The top teams and golfers then qualify for the State Meet to be held May  2-3 at Farm d’Allie and The Wetlands in Lafayette.

The Comets started their season with a solid performance against Brother Martin last month, falling 167-171. Landry shot even par 36, followed by Daniel Jaubert at 44, Jenson at 45 and Jeffrey Cupit at 46.

They scored a win against Vandebilt Catholic, out-shooting the Terriers 164-172. Landry again led with a 38.

Will Torres shot 39, Jensen 42 and Jaubert 44.

They followed that with strong performances against Lutcher and Ponchatoula, shooting a season low of 158. Landry led with a 37, Torres 38, Jaubert 41, Kenny Matar 42. Jaubert scored an eagle on the par 5 hole 3 at Riverlands Country Club, putting in from 15 feet.

In a four-team tournament at Riverlands, the Comets shot a 166 to edge Vandebilt (168), Assumption (187) and Lutcher (202). Landry shot a two-under par 34 that day.

Last week the team defeated Hannan at Riverlands 168-190. This time Torres led the team with a 39 and made an Eagle on Hole 6. Landry shot a 39, Jensen a 42 and Jaubert a 48.

With such performances — and the leadership of Landry — Zeringue is hopeful for this year’s post season.

“In my 16 years, this is one of the best teams I’ve ever had,” he said.