Council Rock South claims first ever Suburban One League crown with convincing win over Neshaminy
HOLLAND – The first time Council Rock South faced Suburban One League (SOL) rival Neshaminy this season, the Golden Hawks needed overtime to get past the Redskins.
Not on Friday, May 13.
Rock South launched an 11-goal onslaught in the first half on its way to a convincing 15-3 triumph over Neshaminy. With the win, the Hawks clinched the program’s very first league championship.
“We didn’t play very well in the first game and we really moved the ball around in this one,” said CR South first-year head coach Mike Murray. “We’re a very good team when we do that.”
“And our guys were determined to win their first league championship.”
Part of the Hawks’ determination was memorializing one of their fallen brethren, defenseman Kullen Keffer, who was killed along with two others in an August 2014 car accident in the Poconos.
Bearing the number 15 he wore as a freshman, Keffer’s jersey hangs in the CR South locker room. The players touch it whenever they pass under it.
“Our team was very close with Cullen,” said Murray. “Before every game, our team collects in a circle for a moment of silence and in order to remember him.”
What’s more, Murray says his squad – a veteran group that is loaded with seniors – wanted to leave a lasting legacy at Rock South.
Seniors Peter Mignacca, Jared Gambino and Brendon Patterson led the Hawks’ second win of the season over Neshaminy (10-7, 7-3 SOL). An attack wing, Mignacca came through with five goals and one assist. Gambino chipped in with three goals and three assists. A midfielder who is headed to Binghamton University to play lacrosse, Patterson won 12 faceoffs, adding two goals to his performance.
Brendan’s little brother Chase – a freshman – won five faceoffs for CR South versus the Skins and sophomore Brandon Follis contributed three goals to the game, which was played on a sopping wet field under a steady rain.
Midfielder Ryan Gartenmayer and defenseman Dominic Schlupp also scored goals for the Golden Hawks. Senior K.J. Sweeney, Conor Simpson and Austin Gambino added assists for CR South.
Goalkeeper Adam Reifer – who is headed to Fairleigh Dickinson – came through with four saves for the Hawks. His counterpart, Anthony Blickle, posted nine stops for Neshaminy and the Skins got goals from Jeremy Scheley (2) and Nick Donato.
South completed its 2016 regular season campaign at 13-6 overall, 9-1 in the SOL National Conference. After a loss to Southern Lehigh April 27 at home, the Hawks came through with six straight wins, five of which were against SOL opponents.
South finished with wins over Pennsbury, Abington Truman, West Chester East, CR North and Neshaminy.
***
Keffer is also remembered via the Cullen Keffer Memorial Lacrosse Festival, which is set for June 4 at Walt Snyder stadium over at North. On that day, Murray says, both CR North and CR South players come together in a united effort toward a common cause.
Proceeds from the event benefit a scholarship that memorializes the late lacrosse player’s name. Toward the end of the school year, CR South lacrosse coaches and guidance counselors join together to select a senior from the Golden Hawks who possesses characteristics on and off the field that most emulate their fallen brother.
Contact Steve Sherman at ssherman@21st-Centurymedia.com or @BucksLocalSport on Twitter
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).
