MARSHALLTOWN — It may not catch much attention on paper, but the score posted by the Fort Dodge boys golf squad on Thursday carried plenty of significance for head coach Nick Vinson and his program.

The Dodgers shot under 340 for the first time in nearly 15 years, taking 11th in the stacked Joe August Invitational at the Elmwood Country Club.

All four FDSH counters were under 90, led by junior Jaxson Dencklau (41-41–82). Sophomore Davis Underberg (38-45–83) was right behind, as both Dodgers were in the Top-40 of the 84-player field.

Fort Dodge had a 339, which was only four shots behind Des Moines Roosevelt and five shy of Ames.

“It’s a big step for us,” Vinson said. “We’ve been chasing that 340 number for a while. We thought it might be a realistic goal for about where we could be at this point (in the season).

“Last year, we had a 412 at Elmwood. So to be over 70 strokes better this time around for a lot of these guys who were freshmen or sophomores (a season ago) is a really positive accomplishment — especially given this course is one of the toughest we play.”

Sophomore Mason Frevert (40-47–87) and sophomore Bo Marsh (41-46–87) had the other Fort Dodge counting scores. Junior Gavin Davis (50-47–97) and sophomore Trace Rial (52-47–99) rounded out the lineup.

Dencklau had an eagle, a birdie and five pars. Underberg recorded eight pars.

“We still had a few bigger numbers (on individual holes) that held us back from going lower, but not as many as before,” Vinson said. “The guys aren’t satisfied by any means, but they’re feeling enthusiastic. I think everyone in our camp would like to start to sustain this and keep the momentum going.”

Norwalk (290) edged Southeast Polk (292) for the team title, with Dallas Center-Grimes (303) and the host Bobcats (312) next in line.

DC-G’s Noah Moberg (34-35–69) was the only player to break par, as he clipped Ian Lux of Norwalk (36-34–70) by a single shot for the individual crown. Norwalk’s Grady Sigrist and Ty Potter of Southeast Polk followed at 71.

The Dodgers are back in action on Monday at the Indianola Invitational.