Granite Run Buick GMC Game of the Day: Lansdale Catholic downs Devon Prep, 8-6, for 3rd straight District 12 2A championship

Lansdale Catholic senior midfielder Patch Flannery knew his two-time defending District 12 2A champion Crusaders would face challenges in 2023 after graduating a strong senior class with a new head coach.

“Yes, having a new coach (Jared Mayes) coming in and (many) young players definitely was an obstacle, but I think we adapted pretty well over time,” said Flannery. “The young players also stepped up big time this year and I think us upperclassmen set a good example. But I think just constantly being around each other and hanging out a lot outside of school and sports helps build chemistry with the younger players.”

That chemistry paid off as Lansdale Catholic defeated Catholic League rival Devon Prep, 8-6, Thursday at Eastern University for its third straight District 12 title. Lansdale Catholic (14-7) will face District 3 third-place finisher Susquehannock in the first round of the PIAA tourney Tuesday at a site and time to be determined. Devon Prep (12-10) meets District 11 champion Northwestern Lehigh Tuesday at a site and time to be determined.

Flannery, one of the few senior starters, led LC with three goals and three assists and sophomore Gavin Selchert had two goals and an assist. Junior Dan Curran had a goal and an assist and won 10 of 14 faceoffs and junior goalie Jack Kennedy posted 10 saves.

The Crusaders broke a 4-4 tie with two goals in the third period, but Devon remained close thanks to strong offense from Declan Sullivan (two goals), Nick D’Alessandro (one goal, three assists) and Ryan Kane (one goal, one assist),

“I think we started gaining control towards the end of the game when our offense took good long possessions and the defense made some stops,” said Patch Flannery.

“I think one of the big reasons for our success this year and all the other years is the team’s drive to be better and the drive to want to succeed. We also push each other to be the best we possibly can. I think another big part is our chemistry with each other on the field.”

Flannery said Lansdale Catholic is focused now on the first game in states. Only one other LC team has won a state playoff game.

“I think there only being one Lansdale Catholic boys’ lacrosse team to ever win a state game is definitely a huge motivation for us,” he said. “We want to succeed together and be the best we can be so we’re definitely looking forward to this opportunity.

“But it all starts in practice we have to stay focused and not get too far ahead of ourselves. But our eyes are definitely focused on winning that state game.”

Devon Prep 2-1-1-2-6

Lansdale 3-0-3-2-8

Cole Brassington 7 Saves

Nick D’Alessandro 1G, 3A

Declan Sullivan 2G

Ryan Kane 1G, 1A

Eammon Donovan 1G

Evan Young 1G

Jack Kennedy (Jr/GK) 10 saves

Patch Flannery (Sr/M) 3G 3A

Gavin Selchert (So/A) 2G 1A

Dan Curran (Jr/M) 1G 1A 14 faceoff wins

Colin Cossman (Jr/A) 1G

Sean McMahon (So/M) 1G

Shane Lyons (Jr/LSM) 1A