Two school busses rolled into Andover High School’s parking lot for MHSAA Regional finals between Brother Rice and the Wolves on June 3.
They didn’t have any Clarkston Boys Varsity Lacrosse team members but younger lacrosse players from throughout Clarkston going to root on their boys in blue win or lose.
After the boys lost 18-5, the packed crowd continued to cheer showing their support because it was still a successful season with 18 wins – the most wins for the boys during the program – and two losses.
“Three years ago we started playing up and playing better teams,” said Brian Kaminskas, head coach. “We were losing. But every game we came back a little stronger and a little smarter. We finally got to the point this year we were playing up and winning. This is the next level and we come back next year a little smarter, a little stronger and ready to reload.”
Clarkston started the game with a boost of energy and Brother Rice turned the ball over to score their first goal three minutes into the game.
Kevin O’Grady tied the score 1-1 over a minute later. Brother Rice struck again, putting their second in the net.
Sam Moore attempted to tie the score again but his shot missed and Brother Rice only gained more strength – adding four more to the scoreboard before the first quarter ended.
Jordan Kincaid hit the ball in with 4:39 left in the half, putting the score 10-2.
“They got rolling and we tried to make a couple of adjustments,” said Kaminskas.
The boys came back tougher in the second half putting more pressure on Brother Rice but it was too late and they lost, 18-5.
“One thing we did offensively was we decided we were going to do we had six guys on the field and we just kept them moving,” said Kaminskas. “It was working for us. We had some pretty good opportunities and scored some goals off of it. We had them guessing – we heard them on the sidelines when they were trying to make some adjustments based on the consistent motion.”
The team loses five seniors – Matt Burtnett, Alex Dziewit, Alex Fitzgerald, Nathan Gill and Matt Goebel.
“This was a great bunch of seniors,” said Kaminskas. “Just a terrific group of guys they left a foundation to step up. There will be a few big shoes to fill.”
The rest of the team will be ready.
“This was the first opportunity they have had to play this level this year,” said Kaminskas. “Now they know. Coming back next year that is the bench mark and that is what we are going to have to meet or exceed if we want to be successful.”