St. Charles N. makes history with win over St. Charles E.
A new era has begun.
In Saturday’s historic first boys lacrosse clash between St. Charles North and St. Charles East, the North Stars built an early lead and held on for a 9-5 victory at the East Side Sports Complex.
The St. Charles Lacrosse Club operated as a sole program prior to the opening of St. Charles North, and as a co-op program once the two schools coexisted. Beginning this spring season, both schools are fielding separate teams for the first time.
St. Charles North (2-3) took a 5-2 lead into halftime.
“We just came out with the momentum and coach gave us some words at the beginning of the game,” North Stars co-captain Nick McCullough said. “We scored some quick goals and carried that momentum into the second half and the end of the game.”
McCullough scored twice for the winners as did teammates Harry Bogle and Austin Patrick. Leading the way for the North Stars though was Riley Martin who scored three times.
St. Charles East (0-4) did its part to make the game interesting, rallying a bit in the fourth quarter.
The Saints trailed 8-2 but picked up goals from Stephen Link, Alex O’Brien and Brett Hickey to pull within 8-5 with 5:45 remaining.
“Especially at the varsity level, you can be up by four or five and even six and it’s not unreal for a team to come back and tie it,” North Stars coach Andy Thompson said. “We finally sunk a goal at the end and that kind of took the wind out of them and sealed the game for us.”
Slow starts have plagued a young Saints team throughout the early season.
“It hurts to lose, but we’re liking what we’re beginning to see,” Saints coach Chris Conner said. “We’re getting better everyday, but we’re young and trying to find leadership from different areas.”
The North Stars also fielded a young team, but were able to control the tempo for most of the contest.
“Our sophomore midfielders, Jon Elliott and Jud Huxtable played really well,” McCullough said. “Plus, Colin Snook is a big influence on our defense.”
Thompson, whose name has been synonymous with St. Charles lacrosse for many years, certainly was familiar with his opponent. albeit one in a different uniform.
“It didn’t even take me having to see the numbers because I just know their running style,” he said. “The atmosphere out here was great with a little more on the line playing the other side of town.”
For now, the bragging rights belong to the North Stars, who will aim for Tri-Cities supremacy with a game against Geneva on Tuesday.
“I had this on my calendar so I’m glad we got the ‘W’,” McCullough said. “Now we’re going for Geneva in another rivalry game and hopefully we can get another win there.”