BOXFORD — No one could have — or would have — that running time in the fourth quarter would be needed in the Northeastern Conference’s boys lacrosse title game Wednesday.
By coming out of the starting gate 100 miles and hour and never letting their feet off the gas pedal, however, host Masconomet made that pipe dream a reality.
Six goals and two assists from junior attackman Colten Russo sparked the offense and classmate Jack Wheadon stopped a dozen shots while playing a full 48-minute contest for the first time in five weeks as the Chieftains hammered Marblehead, 18-8, on the high school grass field.
Masconomet (11-0 NEC, 12-4 overall), which had defeated Marblehead in overtime on April 23, left no doubt this time, with eight different players scoring at least one goal and a dozen players earning at least one point. It led 6-2 after one quarter, 10-2 at halftime and 14-5 with just 12 minutes to play.
In doing so, the tri-town school officially captured its first NEC title and first since capturing its ninth Cape Ann League crown back in 2019, a year before it switched leagues. Marblehead had won the last six conference crowns dating back to the 2018 season.
“It was just coming to me today,” said Russo, who is second on his team in goals (34) and total points (58). “Will Carey was winning all those faceoffs (14-of-21) and pushing the fast break. Everything fell into place for us.”
“The timing of this win and the nature of how we won it will do wonders for our confidence down the stretch, when we need it most,” added fourth-year head coach Chris Roach.
“With Will at the faceoff-X, too, he can just turn into a cheat code at times where it turns into make-it take-it,” Roach said of his Endicott bound senior. “Having him there just tilts the field so far in our favor.”
Russo buried two shots in the game’s first 38 seconds, and the Chieftains were off and running. Although Marblehead sliced that in half on a Tyler Forbes tally, Masconomet ran off the next four goals and scored eight of nine to take a commanding 8-goal advantage into the break.
“It feels great,” said Wheadon, who had been eased back into the lineup following an injury, splitting games with fellow keeper Mike Kenny prior to Wednesday’s complete game victory. “Coach (Chris Roach) puts out a great scout on our opponent before every game, and we have everything we need to know about the other team. The defense was great today, locking up everyone.”
Midfielder Tony Giacchino scored three goals with one assist for Masconomet, with sophomore attack Andrew Kelly (assist), junior middie Jack Fabiano and senior attack Tony Guaragna adding two goals each. Carey scored once and earned four assists, many off of fast breaks, and fellow captain John Miga picked up three helpers.
“I tell Tony all the time ‘Shooters shoot, shooters shoot’, and he and Colten are both in that category,” said Roach. “They’re our wing guys and can really put up goals in a hurry. And when that dam breaks, look out.”
“We’re very deep this season,” noted Russo, his team now with 202 goals over its 16 games. “We’ve got guys up and down the lineup who can score. It puts a lot of pressure on other teams trying to stop us.”
Marblehead got four goals from Will Sullivan and two more from Reece Moore, but they were neutralized for most of the game before scoring late. Alex Cantalupo, Mike McNamee and Connor Mitchell of the Chieftains did a great job locking them down for much of the proceedings.
“We you go down 2-0 in the first minute, that’s deflating,” admitted Magicians’ veteran head coach, John Wilkens. “Then we had an opportunity early in the second quarter when it was still only 6-2 and we’re all alone out front of the goalie, but (Wheadon) makes the point blank save. Things like that are game changers and can take the air out of you.”
“Kudos to Masconomet; they clearly came to play. They out-ground balled us, too. We didn’t play good defense and got caught ball watching at times.”
Tyler Forbes and long pole Grady Becker both added a goal and an assist for Marblehead (8-7), with goalie Colin Maniaci making 10 saves.
Masconomet received single goals from Colin Driscoll, Ben Miga and John Miga, with Myles Bernier, Chris Young and John Crispo adding one assist apiece.
Contact Phil Stacey
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