The defending Northeastern Conference champion Marblehead High boys lacrosse team (2-0 in the NEC, 4-0 overall) is already showing signs of a club that is determined to repeat.
The Magicians played their first two NEC games on this year’s schedule last week, and they were definitely not taking them for granted. On Monday, April 10, they handled Beverly with ease, 16-6. Three days later, they then smoked rival Swampscott to the tune of 16-2.
The Marblehead boys had opened the season with a couple of non-league victories against Winchester (6-5 in overtime on April 1) and Wakefield (7-4).
But despite their fast start, coach John Wilkens says there is still room for improvement.
“We still have a lot of work to do,” the veteran coach said. “We’re trying to figure out some pieces like positioning on the field.”
Against Beverly, Connor Cronin helped pace the offensive attack with four goals and three assists. Charlie Grenier collected four goals and one assist. Reece Moore accounted for three goals and three assists.
Carter Laramie chipped in with two scores. Baxter Jennings was credited with two goals and one assist. Andrew Nelson notched one tally.
Goalie Finn Maniaci did his part to keep the Panthers at bay with nine saves. His teammates jumped out to a 5-0 lead, and they never looked back.
“We had great faceoffs and defense in this game, and blocked well down the field,” Wilkens said.
In the Swampscott game, Laramie and Grenier led the way with three goals and two assists apiece, along with Cam Waldron who had four scores, which is a career high. Gio Garaboto netted a couple of tallies.
Reece Moore and Cronin were credited with a goal and two assists. Jack Whipple and Jennings each contributed one goal to the winning cause.
Maniaci (5 saves) split the goaltending chores with Finn Gallup (1 save) to help secure another triumph.
After taking on Peabody Monday, April 17, after the Current’s press deadline, the Danvers Falcons come to town April 19 for an 11 a.m. game during spring school vacation week.
