Mark Davis Switches Lanes to Move Into AOY Lead
Even though I know the year is only 3 events old into the 2008 Elite Series schedule 0f 11, the current AOY points standings is looking a bit different than what it did this time in ‘07. With a few new added anglers and others that made very little splash last year, we are seeing a resurgence from some and a re-introduction by others.
Concluding this past weekends big bass bonanza in which Paul Elias both won and shattered the 4 day total weight record down on Falcon Lake with 132.8 lbs, BASS rookie and former points leader Bobby Lane was knocked down from his high landing back in “general population” slipping from 1st to 12th in the standings. But as we all know, when 1st is vacated by one, it is assumed by another and that “another” would be long time veteran Mark Davis. For Davis, talk about a comeback, he has posted a 5th, 13th, and 18th since making a re-introduction into BASS after spending a few years touring on the FLW circuit. This shouldn’t surprise anyone though. Davis is part of BASS’s $1 million club with 5 BASS wins and 42 top 10’s. Something not easily done.
Also making a strong statement so far this year is Dean Rojas. After having a bad season in ‘07 by his standards and failing to make the ‘08 Bassmasters Classic, he has made it clear that this year will not be a repeat of 2007. I am looking for big things to come in 2008 out of Rojas. Having made it through the first three events of the season sitting 2nd in the AOY standings, he should only get better as the post spawn and topwater bite will begin to become a factor throughout a majority of the remaining season.
Some of the other things that I find intriguing so far in this early season when looking at the current points standings is the 8th place tie between the “Alpha” males of fishing, Kevin Vandam and Skeet Reese. I don’t expect to see them slide any lower than they are right now. I think we will see them play hop scotch all the way back up to the top 3 or 4 by years end if not 1st and 2nd again. Let me also give a quick shot out to Byron Velvick. After a very upsetting 2007, he has had to slide step all of the nay-sayers throughout the off-season while trying to maintain focus on this year’s tournament schedule. I can definitely say that the schedule has played into his favor up to this point. I can’t say that he will continue to stay in his 17th place position of current. Regardless, with one more tournament to be had on his home lake before shifting focus back out east, I will make the forecast call and say that Byron will qualify this year to fish the Classic in ‘09.
To see a full list of the current standings, visit: http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tournaments/elite/news/story?page=b_Tour_Stand_toyota_angler_of_year_2008
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POSTED IN: BASS, BASS Elite Series, Miscellaneous
1 opinion for Mark Davis Switches Lanes to Move Into AOY Lead
Tim
Apr 8, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Davis has been tearin’ it up this year, but I’m still not convinced that he’ll be at the top of the ladder by the end of the year.
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