Boys lacrosse: Lubrant sets Naperville North record with 8 goals

Naperville North senior Jacob Lubrant started feeling a sense of urgency late in Wednesday's crosstown showdown against Naperville Central.

Playing in his final regular season home game of a storied four-year varsity career, Lubrant wanted to break a school record before his career came to an end.

In less than a two-minute span in the fourth quarter, Lubrant achieved his goal by scoring consecutive goals to set a single-game program record of 8 goals in an 18-3 win over Naperville Central in DuPage Valley Conference play.

"I knew about the record since my freshman or sophomore year," he said. "It's been in the back of my mind since then. I knew seven goals in a game was the record. I didn't worry about it too much, but when you get to five or six (goals), you look for the shots.

"Getting it is special. I knew the two guys who had it and they were mentors for me. One was even my neighbor. I looked up to them both. It meant a lot to me to do it."

Lubrant, who plans to play lacrosse at the University of Hartford, scored his 7th goal after a 30-yard sprint, firing a lefty shot into the back of the net. Nearly 45 seconds later, Lubrant scored the record-breaking goal off a bullet shot from 10 yards. He celebrated by raising his arms up the air.

"I knew I was at seven, and we had a man up (advantage) because they hit me in the head," he said. "I knew I would have a good shot, knowing I would get the shot. I wasn't going to miss that shot."

Naperville North coach Kevin Benages said Lubrant's been a key player in the program since being a starter on the final four team in his freshman season. The Huskies (8-5, 4-1) held the Redhawks (1-11) to one goal in the second half.

"Jacob's been amazing to coach and a great young man," he said. "He's a great locker room guy, and it was nice to see him break the record today. He's a quick kid, skilled and smart. He's been great to have."

The Redhawks showed some fight by battling the Huskies in the first half. Led by a strong game from junior Alex Sall, the Redhawks trailed 7-2 at halftime.

"We played our best game of the year in the first half," Naperville Central coach Blake Zinn said. "I was really proud of our effort we saw from the guys. I think this was running clock in the first half the last time we played them. We showed a lot of effort."

The Huskies close out the regular season at Waubonsie Valley next Wednesday before opening the playoffs.

"I see us going deep into the playoffs," Lubrant said. "We have very good character and energy. We have a lot of depth and talent."