WP boys’ lacrosse squad ESIAC champions

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(May 12, 2023) The Worcester Prep boys’ lacrosse team captured its third consecutive Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship title, winning 16-5 over the Gunston Herons last Friday on its home field in Berlin.

“Playing Gunston for the third time this season, this would be the most meaningful game, since it was winner takes all. In sports, it is never an ideal situation to have to beat a team for the third time in the same season,” said Prep Coach Drew Haugh. “Overconfidence, not respecting the other team, taking them too lightly, just thinking you just have to show up, are all things that coaches worry about, and spend a lot of time in preparation trying to convince their team not to ever underestimate the opposition. Don’t just assume you are going to win because you have already beaten them twice … The Mallards seemed to take that advice to heart, as they stormed out of the gates, scoring the first 10 goals of the game, before Gunston was able to notch their first goal.”

Worcester netted six goals in the first quarter.

At halftime, the home team led 124. After three, the Berlin squad held a 15-4 advantage. Both teams scored one goal in the fourth quarter.

The Mallards accomplished their season goal of a three-peat as ESIAC champions.

“It truly was a team effort. Everybody got some playing time,” Haugh said.

Senior captain Griffin Jones led Worcester with seven goals and two assists.

“Most of Griff’s goals were highlight-reel goals,” Haugh said. “His stick skills, his dodging, the accuracy of his shot, you rarely see in the game of lacrosse.”

Senior captain Jack Gardner chipped in with five goals and three assists.

“Jack is an incredible attackman. He has a shot like a howitzer, that few goalies are able to save,” Haugh said.

“He has a nasty face dodge, and his size and strength allows him to dominate his defenders, and find the back of the net.”

Junior captain Cole Campbell tallied two goals.

Sophomore Ryan Mann added a goal and five assists. Sophomore Jack Lynch also had a goal.

Junior goalie Connor Ferguson recorded eight saves.

Haugh also praised the performance of the Prep defense.

“The defense was exceptional, as Baylor Hoen, Owen West and Ansh Batra put a vice on the Gunston attack. Long stick midfielder, Cole Campbell, played lights out, as he dominated on ground balls, clears and takeaways,” he said. “Dylan McGovern dominated ground balls, cleared the ball at will, and shut down Gunston’s best offensive player. Max Carpenter played a fabulous game, picking up ground balls, clearing and playing excellent short-stick defense.”

Worcester finished the season with a 10-4 record.

“The season was fantastic,” Haugh said. “With our top assistant coach, David Watts, coming on board this season, the kids were treated with an excellent coach. Also, back for his second year coaching, Colton Haugh, did a great job. And, we could always count on Coach Matt McGinnis to lend a hand when his schedule allowed. Coach McGinnis has a wealth of knowledge in the sport of lacrosse and his expertise was always welcomed.”

Several Mallards earned All-ESIAC awards.

Jones, Gardner, Ferguson, Campbell, McGovern and Mann were recognized for their performance.

Hoen received honorable mention accolades.

Jones was named ESIAC Player of the Year.

He scored 82 goals in 2023 – a new single-season school record – and had 36 assists. He totaled 118 points – a new single-season record.

For his career, he racked up 147 goals and 103 assists, for a total of 250 points. He lands in fifth place for alltime points at Worcester. Wyatt Richins holds first place with 310 points.

Gardner tallied 60 goals and 21 assists this season.

Ferguson finished 2023 with 191 saves – a new single-season school record.

The team is only graduating two players – “the dynamic duo” of Jones and Gardner – but they were big contributors during their high school career.

“Those two seniors are the heart and soul of this team. They can’t be replaced,” Haugh said. “There is a ton of goals and assists heading out the door. However, we have been blessed to have had these two. Their on-field leadership, their off-field leadership, the production from them in practice and games, is unrivaled.

“We just hope the younger players can see how good somebody can get at this game when they put in the hard work, play in the offseason, and dedicate themselves to be the very best,” he continued. “Although we are losing two of the best players in any league, we feel confident that we will be in good shape with the players we have returning and the eighth-grade players that will be coming up. We believe there is no reason we can’t be going for a four-peat, next season.