Let’s start at the end.  With time running down in the second overtime, Ryan Shorts rolls around from X, makes eye contact with brother Zack cutting to the crease and threads a beautiful pass that Zack fields cleanly, fakes, scores and puts the 2014 Eagles into the OPHS record books as the first team with back to back playoff victories and only the second to reach the section quarterfinals/LA semifinals. All of the OP supporters are thrilled that Zoey and Dan taught their kids to share.

 

As for the rest of the game, if you missed it, you missed a great high school lacrosse playoff game.  The game was tied at half on OP goals by Zack, Jake Lam and Hunter Jamison (nice assist from Alex Wenker).  After falling behind 5-3 in the third, the Eagles rallied back on goals by Tyler Chandler from Jake and a pretty left handed tough angle shot from Patrick Lasure as the quarter came to an end.

 

Neither team scored in the fourth or the first OT, but it was not for lack of opportunities.  Instead it was because of the amazing goal tending on display from Shane Bracken and his Newbury counterpart.  It has been said and written in many places that these two could be the best in the area.  What the crowd saw last night should lead to the “could be” being dropped from that statement.

 

Following the Eagles first round game, senior leadership was in focus.  Tonight a tip of the hat goes to our defensive underclassmen that stepped up in a pressure packed situation.  Max Bulko, Brandon Byer, Joe Peters and Trevor Jamison did a great job of shutting down the NPHS offense throughout the game.

 

Finally, some love for our face-off guys.  Josh Rosen was amazing and Brendon Jasso was key during man-down.

 

The Eagles host Crespi on Saturday with the game time to be determined.  Keep checking this site for updates.