The players returned to Alcantra for what may have been the final round of relief.
Wide fairways. Predictable wind. Reasonable pins.
And for some… redemption.
Because next week?
Next week is Meier Lake… long to long.
The Trial so hard, even the Valley whispers about it.
But for now—this is how Trial Eight played out.
???? Tier A – Scott Groves Steals the Spotlight
Scott Groves (-10) came out of nowhere and dropped the hammer on Tier A, playing Alcantra like he built it himself.
Behind him:
Dave Rector (-8) — a classic grinder, now gaining momentum at just the right time.
Kelly Allen (-7) — still consistent, still chasing.
Naz Munoz (-6) — smooth, steady, dangerous.
Thomas Voight & Morgan Leeds (both -5) — still in the hunt, just off the lead pace this week.
The top tier is tightening. And they all know what Trial Nine could do to them.
⚔️ Tier B – The Ratliff Legacy Shines
Jake Ratliff (-7) led the charge in Tier B this week, delivering a sharp, focused round at Alcantra.
Right behind him? His father, Jeremy Ratliff (-5)—proving once again that disc golf is in the blood. The Ratliff family is putting serious pressure on the tier leaderboard as we approach the Valley's most brutal test.
Chasing them:
Adam Smithers, Christopher Foley, Wayne Danjin, Zachary Winther (all -3) — clean and steady, but no match for the Ratliffs this round.
Robin White (-2) and Ryan Bates, River Miller (both -1) — grinding out solid rounds.
Scott Bowen (+1) — not his cleanest showing, but still standing.
The tier is heating up just in time for Meier’s trial. And the Ratliff name is climbing fast.
???? Tier C – Foster Emerges, Fogelman Returns
Scott Foster (+2) claimed the top C-tier finish in his return, holding strong against two familiar names:
Adam Fogelman (+4) — once the tier’s frontrunner, he’s still swinging.
Mike Duncan (+8) — new name, new fight.
C Tier may be small, but next week will test their patience and precision like never before.
???? Tier D – Carrie Holds the Line Again
Carrie Foley (+6) took another win in Tier D, holding off:
Jaxton Ratliff (+8) — who isn’t going away quietly.
Tier D may not have the largest field, but they’ve shown the most heart, week in and week out.
???? Next Week: Trial Nine – Meier Lake, Long to Long
Let’s be honest—this is the most brutal test the Valley has ever conjured.
Meier Lake – Long to Long.
18 holes of technical pain.
OB everywhere.
Gaps that disappear.
Pin placements designed to break players.
And the forecast for Monday?
Rain. Sun. Snow. In June.
The Valley is laughing. The players are bracing.
There may not be a single score under par.
Some won’t finish. Others won’t even show.
But those who survive… will become legends.
⛓️ Two Trials remain.
And the hardest one… is next.
Respect the Trials. Survive the Valley.
