The varsity boys’ lacrosse team is looking to make a statement this season, with disciplined defense, fast-paced offense and strong team chemistry to come out from underdogs into a new competitive team in the county.
The team already faced many challenges, starting with their home opener versus Rockville High School on April 21 and following up with Magruder on April 25 days after. Winning 7-6 to the Rams and 11-10 to the Colonels, the Patriots showed their grit on the field as they pushed to the very last second. “Rockville, who is our rival, was a nail-biter; we won by one goal. Magruder, we found ourselves down two with two minutes to go; back-to-back goals off the faceoff and ended up winning by one,” senior captain Zach King said.
With key returning players and a group of promising newcomers, the Patriots are aiming to build on last year’s experience and push further into the playoffs. “As a returning senior, I plan to lead our team to a regional championship for the first time in over 10 years. We’ve started strong with a 4–0 record, and we’re excited to see how the rest of the season unfolds,” senior captain Zach King said.
Coach Danny Phillips emphasized that the team’s early success comes down to preparation and trust as they continue through the season with a 4-3 record. Throughout the preseason, players focused on conditioning, stick skills, and communication, setting a foundation that is already paying off on the field. “Honestly, our goal this season is just to play for each other and get better every single day. If we stay locked in, communicate, and trust one another, we’ll put ourselves in a great spot to win. I just want us to be a team that plays hard, sticks together, and never backs down,” Phillips said
Offensively, the team has shown the ability to move the ball quickly and create scoring opportunities from multiple positions. The attack aspect of the team has been effective, specifically on fast breaks, while midfielders have contributed both in transition and settled offensive sets. Several players have already posted multi-goal games, reflecting the team’s balanced scoring approach. “I try to contribute by being a playmaker and also creating attempts at scoring, so my team can win,” junior captain Kai Konno said.
On the defensive end, the Patriots have demonstrated patience and organization. The defensive side, controlled by experienced upperclassmen, has given opponents’ limited scoring chances and forced turnovers in games. Strong communication between defenders and the goalie has helped the team stay composed under pressure, especially in close games like the game opener versus Rockville.
One of the defining traits of this year’s team is its chemistry. Players frequently point to the supportive environment both on and off the field as a major factor in their performance. Team captains have taken on leadership roles, helping younger players adjust to the speed and physicality of varsity lacrosse. “I think our team has a lot of chemistry on and off the field, which helps us perform better as a team. I also find having good chemistry helps me as a player play better, knowing that my teammates understand what I’m trying to do and have my back,” junior captain Caleb Cook said.
The team has also been positively impacted from contributions by underclassmen, who have stepped up in important situations. Their energy and willingness to learn have added character to the roster, giving the coaching staff more flexibility in rotations. As the season progresses, this depth could become a key advantage, particularly during a demanding schedule.
The team has faced several challenging matchups already against top-ranked opponents in the region. These games have tested the team’s skills and ability to adapt, but players remain confident. “We know the competition is strong, but we’re ready and if we stay focused and play our game, we can put up a good competition and win,” King said.
Beyond wins and losses, the team is focused on continuous improvement. Practices remain intense, with the goal to learn and fix their mistakes from each game. Coaches and players alike believe that maintaining this mindset will be crucial as the season continues.
