By: Kyle Moylan
With three wins this past week, the Allentown High boys’ lacrosse team improved to 7-3 and earned the right to go back to the state playoffs.
"We lost to Bernards in the playoffs last year, but we thought we could play at a higher level this season," Allentown Coach Rob Castro said. "The younger guys stepped up. We’re also a lot more competitive in games against the really good teams."
Allentown lost by 10 goals to Rutgers Prep last season. This season it was only a one-goal setback.
Allentown opened play this past week with a 12-3 win over Hightstown. Brendan Skeehan, Marc Payson, James Bulk and Alex Jakober scored two goals each. Vince Rini, Matt Mueller, Brian Goodwine and Justin Darlea also scored. Goodwine (three), Payson (two), Eric Todd, Mueller, Darlea and Jakober had assists.
Bobby Sopher made 11 saves in goal in a 7-4 win over a pretty good Robbinsville team. Jakober and Payson both scored two goals. Darlea, Skeehan and Goodwine also scored. Rini had two assists.
The third win was 5-3 over Northern Burlington. Payson had a goal and four assists. Darlea had two goals and an assist. Jakober and Bulk both scored goals. Sopher made 14 saves.
"Bobby played a great game in goal and the offense did what it had to do," Castro noted.
Allentown was defeated by Delaware Valley, 10-6. Payson scored four goals and Skeehan and Bulk added one each. Goodwine (two) and Jakober had assists.
Allentown has three games this past Tuesday against Notre Dame, Friday against Ewing and Saturday against Monroe before the state cutoff.
"I hope we get a home playoff game, but I’ll take anything," Castro said.
Allentown is just glad its hard work gave it another opportunity to play in that prestigious event.
NEHS
The New Egypt High boys’ lacrosse team was limited to two goals in both of its losses last week.
R,J. Healey and Shane Scherholz scored a goal each in an 18-2 loss to Hun. Scherholz and Tom Carr had assists.
Scherholz scored both goals (one assisted by Sam Hilburn) in an 8-2 loss to Lawrence.
