LANDON LACROSSE 8 ST. JOHN’S 6

Last year’s game against St. John’s ended a Bear undefeated streak; on Mardi Gras, Landon started its season with e win over the Cadets. Having sent 23 players off to college over the last three years (plus a goodly number of seniors who played a lot, but opted not to continue in college), the 2019 roster has more inexperienced starters than usual.

This was also the first game under the leadership of coaches Ian Healy and JR Bordley plus all of the assistant teachers/mentors/coaches. There is no great change in approach, but it was clear that their tutelage worked. For a preseason with one scrimmage, the Bears played disciplined smart ball. Usually an early game, particularly one with heavy winds and frigid temperatures, passes miss the mark, offsides are frequent and other mistakes predominate. This 1^st game was hardly perfect, but the home team showed greater control than the Cadets.

The Bears’ preparedness and smart aggressiveness were shown early in the 1^st Quarter. Landon’s ride broke down a SJCHS clear and Garrett Kurtz gained possession. He passed the ball to Joey Graham who buried it for the premier 2019 season tally @ 10:09.

The referees determined that one of the visitors violated a rule. The home team’s EMO converted on a Guy King assist to Gavin Seasholes @ 7:35

END OF 1^ST Q BEARS 2 CADETS 0

Mr. Plank’s alma mater responded with a goal at 9:56 of the second twelve minute segment. JT Thomas showed his jets on a sweep which created nice separation and his running goal hit the back of the net @8:43.

A fast break’s series of passes brought the ball to Zak Oehlerking, and he sent it on to Joey who notched his second goal @7:32

The Cadets’ offense responded with consecutive goals at 5:21 and 3:34.

Twice during these two periods, Landon scored goals, but they were nullified by the 80 second horn’s blowing just before.

HALFTIME BEARS 4 CADETS 3

The home team added to its lead with two goals within the first 120 seconds of the period. The 5^th score was started by a successful Will Bou faceoff and the possession went to Guy who found Joey G bwho beat the SJCHS goalie @11:07.

Soon thereafter, JT worked his way into the interior, where speed is not an available plus. He got a shot off which must have left his stick at 10:14, but did not cross the goal line @10:08 {the ball must have had incredible backspin?]. It still counted as his second score of the game. On several occasions, JT carried the ball from deep in the Bear D zone, absorbed several blows and made into the home O zone within the 0:20 limit. For this early season demonstration, JT is tentatively awarded Will Powell’s (L’17) moniker –One Man Clear or OMC.

The Cadets narrowed their deficit by scoring at 3:17 and 2:35.

The tandem of Miles Tonkel (assist) and Zak (goal) replied with the 7^th goal @1:33.

END OF 3^RD Q BEARS 7 CADETS 5

Joey G showed his elusive moves, by beating the SJCHS defenseman and the goalie @ 8:05.

The Cadets earned their last goal at 7:52.

Great Bear D prevailed for the remaining minutes. There was one breakaway by a Cadet, but G Mitch Laughlin prevailed.

FINAL SCORE BEARS 6 CADETS 6

Khari Baten “That’s a Bear Award”

When effort on the field rises to the level exhibited

by Khari Baten Award [in jersey numerical order]

Jake Cohen

Joey Graham

JT Thomas

Ryan Giles

Matt Kopp