Loss to Pennsbury sparked road to SOL title for Council Rock South boys lacrosse

HOLLAND – Often in sports, a team’s toughest defeats can lead to their greatest victories. Such a turnaround, however, only happens if you learn from your mistakes.

The Council Rock South boys reached the pinnacle of lacrosse glory on Friday, May 13 when they defeated Neshaminy, 15-3, to capture the Suburban One League (SOL) National Division championship. It was the first ever lacrosse title in the school’s history. Coach Mike Murray’s warriors finished the regular season with only one blemish on their 9-1 league record.

Senior attackman Jared Gambino feels the Golden Hawks’ climb to the top began years ago when the 15 seniors listed on the roster started their lacrosse careers. “This year, we have a great team. We’re primarily seniors. Most of us have grown up playing together, so that helps a lot. We all have gone through the youth leagues together.”

Such shared experience led to a good deal of preseason optimism. “We’ve always wanted to become SOL champs and we felt this was the year to make it happen.”

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Yet early season results did not bode well for any title march as South lost four of its first six games. The most bitter was a 6-4 defeat at the hands of Pennsbury, a game Jared saw as crucial.

“I would have to say that the first Pennsbury game was a turning point. From there on, only positive things happened. The Pennsbury loss was our one real downfall because we came in unprepared. Later on, we showed we never should have lost that game. After that, we improved our game and never took another team lightly.”

The Hawks obviously learned a big lesson as they went on to win 10 of their next 12 games. They not only drubbed Pennsbury 12-3 in their rematch with the Falcons but they vanquished archrival Council Rock North twice. Their only losses were to perennial powerhouses Southern Lehigh and West Chester East.

The only obstacle remaining in their historic drive was Neshaminy, a team that took South into overtime before losing 8-7 in their first meeting on April 26. The Hawks were definitely wary of this foe.

“We were excited going into that game. We knew it was all on the line. If we had lost, it would have been a three-way tie for the title. We did not want that to happen.”

The South players also did not want the rainy weather to throttle their championship hopes. “We were slightly worried about passing and catching because the mesh in you web, when it gets wet, changes the way you throw and shoot. We got out there early and got the sticks wet and adjusted how we threw.”

Any adjustments certainly showed from the opening whistle. The Hawks struck first when senior midfielder Brendan Patterson won the draw and promptly put the ball in the net with only 66 seconds gone in the game.

“The key moment was our very first goal. We knew from there, we couldn’t let off the gas. We had to keep putting them in.”

And score they did! Peter Mignacca led the hit parade with five goals. Jared and Brendon Follis followed suit with three goals apiece. By halftime, South held a convincing 10-1 lead.

Most importantly, their confidence was soaring. “We always come out hot. We were running a 1-4-1 offense to begin with and dodging from behind because we realized they couldn’t stop us dodging from behind the net.”

South’s defense proved equally effective as they thwarted any enemy attacks. Goalie Adam Reifer would finish the game with four saves. Brendan and Chase Patterson won all but two faceoffs. “We have a great defense. I have to put a lot of emphasis on that. They really held up at crucial times.”

The onslaught continued as the Hawks poured in five more second-half points to assure the 15-3 win and set off a spirited celebration.

“We couldn’t have been happier. We knew it was going to happen. It was just a matter of time. It’s history in the making. I feel honored to be on the first team to win a championship. Honestly, I feel blessed to play with all these amazing athletes.”

The historic effort of Jared and his fellow seniors definitely leaves a legacy for future Hawk lacrosse teams.

Council Rock South 15, Neshaminy 3

(May 13 at CR South)

CR SOUTH 10 5 – 15

NESHAMINY 1 2 – 3

CR SOUTH GOALS — Peter Mignacca 5, Jared Gambino 3, Brandon Follis 3, Brendan Patterson 2, Ryan Gartenmayer, Dominic Schlupp.

NESHAMINY GOALS — Jeremy Scheley 2, Nick Donato.

SAVES — Anthony Blickle (N) 9; Adam Reifer (CRS) 4.

RECORDS — CR South (13-6, 9-1 SOL), Neshaminy (10-7, 7-3 SOL).