By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/6/23
Haverford School senior Colin Zeller had a tough time describing his elation today after an epic 16-15 victory over St. Anthony’s, an undefeated Long island power that entered play as the top-ranked boys’ lacrosse team in the nation by Inside Lacrosse and Lacrosse magazine.
“It’s unreal, it feels amazing,” said Zeller. “I think the combined effort of the defense and the offense was key; they both played amazing and that led to a combination of greatness.
“I’m more than excited. I am lost for words; it’s amazing.”
The day was indeed amazing for Haverford, which is 14-2 with 11 straight wins. The weather was perfect, the crowd was overflow and loud and the game also honored the life of former player Kip Taviano, a popular Ford who passed away 10 years ago in a car accident.
Haverford School entered play as the No. 1 team in the Phillylacrosse.com Rankings and fourth and sixth in the national polls. Coach Brendan was elated, but also noted that more challenges await as the Fords look to clinch the outright Inter-Ac League championship next week and then gear for the Inter-Ac tournament.
“It’s pretty special,” said Dawson. “It says a lot about the group of seniors we have. The whole year they’ve been focused on what we want to accomplish, and they have a little bit now of a ‘We won’t be denied’ attitude. It’s awesome to see.
“They have worked hard and it’s been fun to watch it happen. It’s a testament to this group. They come out every day with the right attitude. It’s an unbelievable thing to see it come to fruition
“I also must say this: We have a lot more to do. We have more to do next week and then we have to earn everything else here on out.”
Ryan DiRocco had three goals and an assist and Wells Flinn collected three goals and four assists while Brady O’Kane tallied three for the Fords. Zeller had two goals and an assist and Will Burfiend scored twice while Jack Long added a goal and an assist and Aydan DiRocco scored once. Brody Murphy posted 13 saves and Ben McCarthy (21 of 31) helped Haverford win 22 of 33 faceoffs.
Penn State commit Owen Duffy had four goals and four assists for St. Anthony’s (11-1).
Haverford was dominant in the first half and took a 9-5 lead when Ryan DiRocco flew in right across the front of the crease and converted with 1.3 seconds left.
The Fords continued to hold the lead and went up, 13-9, to close the third period on a goal at the buzzer by Brady O’Kane. The Friars pulled within 14-13 with 5:44 to play, but Long made it 15-13 with 4:16 left off a deflected pass. Duffy closed St. Anthony’s within 15-14 55 second slater on the extra man opportunity.
Flinn responded with 2:36 left from deep on the right side to make it 16-15. The Friars made it 16-15 with 1:53 to play off a turnover, but the Fords’ defense held.
“I’m just really proud of us,” said McCarthy. “All the hard work in the off season and with in-season practices have paid off. We’re earning things, nothing is being given to to us. We want to go all the way, that’s our goal.”
McCarthy said the huge crowd helped. “Having a community like this – with all the support outside the team from the parents and the alumni – it’s at another level. It kind of gives you that boost when you’re coming off the sideline and you see everyone and you hear everyone cheer for you.”
How has Haverford continued to stay hot through the rigors of the Inter-Ac – including a sweep of four-time defending champion Malvern Prep – and and elite schedule?
“I’d say it comes down to the mentality we have,” McCarthy said. “The coaches do a great job of keeping us humble and making sure we are always hunting – we’re never just sitting back waiting for someone to pick us off. In every practice we go hard. The young guys make sure we don’t slack off, everyone is competing in practice.”
Added Zeller: “I think we’ve gotten younger guys to step up and build confidence. They know we trust them and believe in and once we all started working together we saw improvement – and you saw it on the field today.”
Haverford School 16, St. Anthony’s (NY) 15
Haverford School
Ryan DiRocco 3g, 1a
Aydan DiRocco 1g
Brady O’kane 3g
Colin Zeller 2g 1a
Jack Long 1g, 1a
Wells Flinn 3g, 4gb
Will Burfiend 2g
Brendan Leary 1g, 2a, 3gb
Evan Large 2a
Connor Nolen 2gb
Ben McCarthy 21/31/Griff Meyer 1/2 Faceoffs
Brody Murphy 13 saves
