WORCESTER – The St. John’s Prep boys lacrosse went all the way for the second year in a row Tuesday, defeating BC High, 10-5, in the Division 1 state final at Worcester State University.
“It’s insane. I haven’t played a varsity lacrosse season losing a playoff game, ridiculous,” said junior Harlan Graber. “I’m just really grateful.
The team fought a hard battle against its conference rival but came out a champion. Even with The Prep scoring first, BC High had no problem catching up. At the half everything was square 4-4.
“We came out firing,” said junior Jimmy Ayers. “We went up three, maybe four, I think three but they battled right back and tied it up.
“At halftime we made some adjustments,” he said. “We figured out what we needed to do about the ball in the back of the net. That’s pretty much how the game went. It’s a well coached team and they definitely challenged us but we were lucky enough to come out on top tonight.”
After the half, St. John’s came out with guns blazing. The Prep took the lead quickly in the third quarter. The lead then spiked to 8-4 at the end of the third. BC High tried to make a comeback in the fourth, but could only muster one goal while St. John’s got two more to account for the final score.
“This was a combination of the 95 days that we have been together as a team since March 21.” said Prep Head Coach John Pynchon. “I told them yesterday that today’s celebration is that; regardless of what happens, regardless of the outcome, it’s just how we come out and play.”
“We just kept doing our thing. Just kept playing our lacrosse and you know, kept playing our brand. Just effort, all the effort, and all the grit,” said senior Tommy Sarni. “That’s where we face a lot of our core values, effort and accountability. So, you know, on a mistake, when it happens you just move on to the next book.”
“We need to take a couple days and regroup, relax, and enjoy this. I am very proud of the effort they put in and this senior class. They have been outstanding. Such a blessing to be around and coach with,” said Pynchon.
The end of the game marked the end of the season. Seniors are heading off to college, eighth graders are now freshmen, and it’s the start of a new season. However, with a new season means a new team.
“I mean there’s a bunch of guys like Jack Wiessenburger on defense. I think he’s gonna have a good year. There’s a bunch of young defenders that we are really excited about, said Pynchon. “A kid like Noah Brown, who didn’t play a ton this year is going to step into Tommy Sarni’s spot as our left attachment and I think Noah is gonna have a good year for us.”
