Fairview stymies Dawson in lacrosse

By Alex McGeorge, For the Camera
Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Fairview's offense shined in its boys lacrosse matchup against Alexander Dawson Monday at Fairview High, but it was the Knights' defense and goaltending that put the game out of reach.

The defense of the Knights (9-5 overall, 6-3 Centennial League) and advantage in time of possession led to a string of eight straight goals on offense, which gave FHS a 9-1 win over the Mustangs (8-5, 7-4 Foothills League). The win also gives the Knights a chance to play Monarch for the Boulder County Cup on Wednesday at 4:30.

Fairview's senior tandem of midfielder Arthur Jaffee and attacker Scott Thal led the way for the Knights with two goals and one assist each.

"Sometimes our team takes a little longer to get going," Jaffee said. "We were able to accelerate after our slow start today and work some things out."

Jaffee was sidelined with an injury during the Knights' previous game against Cherry Creek, but wanted to play against the Mustangs.

"I pretty much had my head set that I was going to play inthis game," Jaffee said about his decision to play against many of his childhood friends who currently suit up for the Mustangs.

After the Knights went up 1-0 midway through the first period, the Mustangs used a Fairview turnover to score their only goal of the contest. Taylor Boldt hooked up with Robert Ogez, who fired a shot past FHS goalie Mike Deemer with 5:22 left in the quarter to tie the game 1-1.

"It was a little bit of a slow start on defense for us," Fairview co-coach Tom Knight said. "(Dawson) has a good team, and that was a good test for us."

The Knights took control of the contest in the second period. They scored five goals in the period, including Jaffee's two strikes, one of which was part of a span when Fairview scored three goals in just over one minute. Two of the goals during that span, which seemed to bring the Mustangs' momentum to a halt, were scored while Alexander Dawson was a man down due to penalties.

"(Dawson) is a team that can always come back on you and they will never give up," Knight said.

Despite being down 6-1 after goals from Thal, Jaret Newman, and Ross Comly, Alexander Dawson never let up the pressure. The Mustangs had trouble getting their offense started against the Knights' defense, but continued to work to get shots on target when they had the chance. Standing in the Mustangs' way was Fairview's Deemer, who made 17 saves, many of which were shot at close range.

"What can you say about him?" Knight said of Deemer's performance. "We wouldn't be able to compete and win as many games as we do without him."

After halftime the Knights would add only three more goals by Zach Moritz, Michael Parks and Thal, due to the Mustangs' goalie Ian Gilliand, who also made 17 saves.

The Mustangs will play Boulder on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at Boulder, and then will compete in the state playoffs. After their contest against Monarch, the Knights will also compete in the state playoffs.