Not many boys lacrosse teams in the state have been hotter than Manchester Essex this season.
The Hornets enter the new week sporting an 11-1 record, with their only loss coming via a one-goal decision against fellow Cape Ann League power Ipswich to close out April.
Due to his qualification for DECA Nationals, junior attackman Jack McCavanagh was understandably unable to attend that lone defeat, but he returned in a big way in the four tilts that followed. This past week alone, the starting standout shined in a variety of ways to help his team to convincing wins over Amesbury (16-6), Hamilton-Wenham (18-6) and Masconomet (14-8). That included a whopping eight assist effort in Saturday’s victory over the Chieftains.
“He sees the field exceptionally well, has a great sense for the game and knows how to set up his teammates,” said Manchester head coach Wesley Chittick. “Masco played a lot of zone on Saturday and Jack did a tremendous job finding the gaps in that zone and setting up his teammates for good opportunities to score. Credit the team for burying those opportunities.”
McCavanagh also netted a goal in the win, something he’s been able to do in bunches during other contests throughout the spring.
Against Amesbury last Monday, he finished with a team-high six goals to go with two helpers. And versus H-W on Thursday, he tallied four more goals and added two assists to lead the charge.
The Hornets have just six games remaining as they aim to improve their No. 8 seeding in the latest MIAA Division 4 boys lacrosse rankings. McCavanagh and his teammates will face a challenging slate that kicks off with a home clash against North Reading on Tuesday (4:30 p.m.).
“We have a really tough stretch of games to conclude our season, so it’s been good to see the progress we’ve made to this point but also good to see that we’ll be tested by some really solid opponents,” added Chittick, whose team will also face Lynnfield and Weston this week before closing things out against Newburyport, Essex Tech and Wakefield.
“It’ll be a good gauge to see where we’re at against these quality opponents. But right now we’re playing complimentary lacrosse, defending well, and offensively we’re moving well in transition, possessing well and burying our opportunities.”
Sports Editor Nick Giannino may be contacted at 978-675-2712 or ngiannino@northofboston.com.