STREATOR - Josh Gass plays golf with his two younger brothers about every day in the summer. Playing on the same team with them in the fall is a different story.

"The little one gets out of shape a little bit, and we have to correct him," he said, smiling.

All kidding aside, the Streator High School senior said being on the same team with his brothers - sophomore Austin and freshman Huston - has been "awesome. It makes me play better, especially my middle brother. He's about as good as me."

Having not one, not two, but three Gasses definitely has made Beau Doty's life a lot easier as Streator's first-year coach.

Josh and Austin Gass have staged a good battle for the Bulldogs' No. 1 position. Huston Gass, all 5-foot-4 and 110 pounds, has emerged as the No. 3 player on a Streator squad that has its sights set on winning the NCIC Tournament today at Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Club in LaSalle and a sectional qualifying spot out of Tuesday's Class 2A Mahomet-Seymour Regional.

"I know how it is competing for spots with kids outside your family, let alone playing with your brothers every day," said Doty. "They've handled it well. They support each other, and they want to beat each other every day. There's obviously going to be jealousy if they get beat, but that's helped our team's success."

Austin Gass got to play with his older brother last season. Josh Gass is the Bulldogs' only senior and has provided steady leadership for the entire team, according to his brother. Juniors Stephen Limberg and Zach Uratchko and sophomores J.J. Cravatta and Tanner Galyen will round out the Bulldogs' lineup for the rest of the season.

"He's a great captain. He always treats us well," said Austin. "He's flexible. He's never mean."

Huston Gass won't get in a long drive contest with his brothers. He estimates they probably outdrive him by 75 yards. But that doesn't mean the freshman, who shot 81 in Saturday's Central Catholic Invitational at Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State, isn't trying to be the No. 1 Gass, at least for a day.

"I just try to stay close to them," said Huston. "I try not to get down on myself. I try to keep making pars and no more than bogeys."

Doty calls Huston Gass "a fiery competitor."

"Being the small one in the family he's had to have a chip on his shoulder his whole life," said Doty. "As a freshman coming in here he hasn't been fazed at all. He's accepted the challenge."

Josh Gass has a temperament on the course that is envied by his coach, brothers and teammates. Doty said you can't tell if the senior is playing well or poorly. "He always has the same face on," said Austin.

This is the only year the Gasses will be together in high school. Josh Gass is making the most of it. He had a four-week stretch where he went 4-under par, highlighted by a string of five straight birdies during a match at Chillicothe's Arrowhead Country Club when he fired a 3-under 33.

Austin Gass is more aggressive on the course than Josh, said Doty. The sophomore started the season with eight straight 9-hole rounds in the 30s.

"Most of the time it's a rivalry between me and him (Josh), but we both end up shooting good scores," said Austin.

The Gasses credit their father, Russ, with turning them into good golfers. Josh Gass said he was 2 years old when his father first put a club in his hands. Austin Gass said their father taught them all to play and has been their only instructor.

Of course, having three sons playing at once can be difficult for Amy and Russ Gass to see every shot. Huston Gass makes it easier on their parents.

"I can't hit a ball when they're watching me," said the freshman. "They don't care, but I care."