Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/10/23
Staff Report
Sam Beamer put it simply after his Shawnee boys’ lacrosse team defeated Chatham Friday night, 11-8, for the school’s first New Jersey state championship at Hopewell Valley Central.
“It doesn’t even feel real, the feeling hasn’t sunk in yet,” said the senior LSM. “If any group of guys deserves it, it’s my guys.
“The amount of work they’ve put in for this is unreal. This has been our goal since preseason and for years before.”
The Renegades (18-3) had come close before. Last year they reached the State final and fell to Scotch Plains Fanwood, 11-2. The Renegedes also bowed in the state final in 2009, 2013, and 2015.
This time, they seized control early, breaking out to an 8-1 lead. Chatham (16-7) rallied for four consecutive goals and later drew within 9-7, but Ethan Krauss (3G, 2A) had a key goal, and Shawnee’s defense held.
Nick Goeller and freshman Tyler Rotkowitz each added two goals for the Renegades. Beamer scooped seven groundballs while playing staunch defense on Chatham’s junior midfielder and Virginia commit JP Lagunowich (2G). Also, Shawnee won 13 of 23 faceoffs as Lucas Estevez went 12 for 22 and Beamer played a key role on the wing.
“The biggest thing in that run was groundballs,” said Beamer, a Wagner signee. “Having trust in Esteves to make the play in the faceoff and make it a 50/50 ground ball for me off the wing was key. Then knowing my guys would get open for me and make some plays. Our defense was also stingy during that run and held up through t some long possessions.”
Shane Conlon, Joe Vricella, Thomas McAneney, and Cael Stielau each added a goal for Shawnee.
The Renegades won their final 11 games after a tough 6-5 defeat to St. Augustine Prep. One of those wins was a 14-11 conquest over PIAA qualifier Garnet Valley and the key triumph was the 9-8 South Jersey championship conquest of Moorestown.
“The biggest reason for our success this year is just how close we are as a group,” Beamer said. “Every person on this team is family to me and through every game, we just played with love for each other and gave our all for the person next to us.
“Lastly I would just thank everyone for coming out and supporting us as we put Shawnee and South Jersey as a whole on the map!”
Doyle Curry led Chatham with three goals.
New Jersey Group 3 Championship
Shawnee 11, Chatham 8
Shawnee (18-3) 2 3 4 2 -11
Chatham (16-7) 1 0 4 3 -8
Shawnee
Ethan Krauss 3g, 2a
Nick Goeller 2g
Tyler Rotkowitz 2g
Shane Conlon 1g
Joe Vricella 1g
Thomas McAneney 1g
Cael Stielau 1g
Lucas Estevez 12/22 FO
Vaughn Feudtner 1/1 FO
Jimmy Potter 5 saves
Chatham
Doyle Curry 3g
JP Lagunowich 2g
Luke Barbera 1g
Charlie Lowe 1g
Ronan Curry 1g
