Twelve goals in the first 12 minutes was part of the statement the Clarkston Boys Varsity Lacrosse team wanted to make in the playoffs.
‘We wanted to make sure we started off with the right approach and stepped up on the right foot to let everyone know we are here for business,? said Brian Kaminskas, head coach.
The statement led to the Wolves beating Utica Ford, 25-4, in the first round of regionals last Thursday.
‘It was a good game,? Kaminskas smiled after the game. ? As we told the kids it was more of a statement game for the state finals. We want to make sure everyone we play against is aware when we step on the field our goal is to score 20 goals.?
The scoring started a mere 18 seconds into the game as senior Connor Dziewit put Clarkston on the scoreboard, with an assist from senior Connor Ward.
The Wolves scored four more goals in the next 90 second from senior Reid Kaminski, sophomore Keaton Mitchell, junior Andrew Williamson and Ward.
By the time the first quarter ended the boys had put 12 points on the board and kept Utica Ford to zero.
‘They were clearly focused,? said Kaminskas. ‘They had prom (on Wednesday.) I am sure they were out late and I am sure they were enjoying themselves. They showed up today and they got it done. You can’t ask for much more than that.?
Clarkston found more scoring opportunities in the second quarter and starting the moment at 8:01 with a goal from Liam Stickle off and assist from senior Gavin Bertram.
Williamson led the team with four goals and Stickle added three while Ward had seven assists. The boys made 38 shots on the net.
Goalies senior Jake Hendricks and sophomore David Taylor made 13 saves during the game, with Taylor stepping in in the second quarter.
Kaminskas added defense was great during the game.
‘The first half our opponents made a shot on the cage, maybe two,? he said. ‘Our defense was aggressive. They played very good position defense. They were spot on with their clears.
‘The seniors in general played great,? he continued. ‘We make a big deal about being undefeated at home and this was their last opportunity. I thought as a group they played great all year and today was icing on the cake.?
The boys play Utica Eisenhower on Wednesday at Troy Athens, 7:30 p.m. Eisenhower beat Romeo in the first round, 14-3.
‘It’s going to be tougher,? Kaminskas said. ‘Every time, every game we play from here on out we have to climb that ladder a little higher. We are ready. We are going to be prepared. Next week it will start to get very challenging.?
The winner moves to the regional finals set for Friday at 7 p.m. at Troy Athens.