The top-ranked Boys Latin Lakers (MD) defeated the three-time defending PIAA State Champion Conestoga Pioneers (PA) in dominant fashion Friday night, taking an 18-3 decision at Conestogas Teamer Field.
The win moves Boys Latin to 9-0 on the season. Conestoga falls to 2-3. The Pioneers had defeated the Lakers in their past two meetings (2011 and 2012) before tonight.
Coming out with great energy, Conestoga got the first possession of the game and had the ball in Boys Latin territory for nearly three-and-a-half minutes. But the Lakers defense held strong, and after a save by senior goalkeeper Christian Knight, it was the offenses turn to get in the act and get into the act they did.
After one of many excellent saves by Conestoga senior goalkeeper Rob Zonino, the Pioneers clearing attempt failed near midfield, where Boys’ Latin junior attackman Shack Stanwick collected the loose ball and fed ahead to teammate Colin Heacock for an easy tally that would open the flood gates.
The Lakers went on to score six more times in the first quarter to close the frame with a 7-0 lead. Following a failed Conestoga man-up to start the second, it was more of the same on the other end. Boys Latin possessed the ball for nearly the entire quarter, pumping in eight more goals for a commanding 15-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, a couple of nice efforts by Conestoga junior attackman Jake Scott got the Pioneers on the board in a game that was decided early. Boys Latin subbed freely in the half, and left Pennsylvania with an 18-3 victory.
It was a supremely impressive effort by the Lakers, who moved the ball well and played unselfishly during their big first-half run. Ranked No. 1 in the latest Nike/US Lacrosse National High School poll, the Lakers sure looked the part Friday night.
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