A deep shot fires from mid-field in the closing seconds of the game and the clock ticks down to zero- but not before the rocket shot, complements of Garrett Van De Ven ’13, seemingly crashes through the upper left corner of the goal before time expires. But it was not meant to be. The shot, that could have tied the game at seven-a-piece, was ruled late, crushing the possibility of overtime in a deadlocked matchup against the St. Marks lacross team.
Disgruntled Rangers fans and players argued that the clock was started prematurely, but nevertheless, the call stood. Some even believed that the St. Marks student running the scoreboard during last year’s epic battle intentionally sabotaged the game.
But all the excuses and conspiracy theories are behind the Rangers, as they look to avenge the last-second loss to the Lions with home-field advantage this year.
This year’s hotly anticipated matchup is hyped to be “the most important game of the year” according to William Carney ’14. And while there are parallels between this game and the recent Highland Park contest, they are different in one key respect: instead of being about mistreatments of the past, the upcoming match will be more about state rankings for both teams. The Rangers and the Lions are major state-contenders again this year, and this game will have substantial playoff implications, just like last year.
The Rangers seem to be peeking at the perfect time of the season.
With a commanding 14-7 victory over the impressive Highland Park Scotts last week, the Rangers show no signs of slowing down, while St. Marks seems liable of slipping, with star attackman Christopher Marlow ‘14 injured.
“We did lose a lot more players coming into this season like [Richie] Sapp, and Buck McClure,” said attackman Jason Myers ’14, “but the way that we have been playing lately, I’m not sure we can lose.”
The St. Marks’ team does, however, possess many of the same starters as last year, like midfielder Griffin Cassagne ’12, defenseman Bear Goldstein ’13, and attackman Will Perkins ’13. Each of these players looks to play a major role in the game on Thursday.
While all the Rangers picked their own squad to emerge victorious over the Lions, such a feeling is only natural from a confident and excelling young team.
Goalie Dan Morris ’13 predicted that, “Both defenses are really strong, so we should be in for a very low-scoring game, but one that I think we can ultimately win.” Along with strong defenses, both teams hold undefeated in-state records, so Thursday’s battle will hand one team its first loss; it also could give the lacrosse community a preview of what could easily end up being the state championship matchup.
Will the Rangers emerge as the victors and keep their undefeated record and hot-streak alive? Or will the talented St. Marks Lions step up without a vital player and repeat last year’s outcome? Be at Jesuit’s Haggar Stadium Thursday at 7:30 PM to find out. You won’t want to miss it.
