Eleven Marblehead boys share championship experience as St. John’s Prep laxmen

Sometimes the word dynasty is overused in the world of sports, but in the case of the St. John’s Prep lacrosse team (22-1, second seed), it fits perfectly.

These Marblehead laxmen happily pose for a photo with the Division 1 state championship trophy after they and their St. John’s Prep teammates defeated BC High in overtime, 8-7. They are, from left, Ryan McCarthy, Mac Crawford, Cam McCarthy, Jack Weissenburger, Madden McGowan, Luke Kelly, Will Crawford and Joe Bullard. Missing from photo, Ryan Doherty, Gavin Lyons and Ryan Finkle. COURTESY PHOTO

The Eagles just won their fifth straight Division 1 state championship — their sixth overall — after beating top seed and Catholic Conference rival BC High (19-4) at the Mass. Maritime Academy on June 14, 8-7 in overtime, and once again there was a Marblehead influence throughout this championship roster.

Midfielder Joe Bullard, attack Cam McCarthy, midfielder Madden McGowan, midfielder Luke Kelly and defender Jack Weissenburger were the Marblehead senior leaders on the team, but, also from Marblehead, Will Crawford (midfielder), Mac Crawford (midfielder), Ryan Doherty (defender), Gavin Lyons (midfielder) and sophomores Ryan McCarthy (attack) and Ryan Finkle (middie) also did their part to keep the dynasty going for another year.

The architect behind this run of championships is coach John Pynchon, who just completed his eighth year along the sidelines. The team’s other title was in 2011.

“We have been blessed with great kids over the years, who work hard and also buy-in to what we asked them to do,” said Pynchon. “They all choose to forgo individual honors and accolades for the betterment of the team. We talk about making an ‘uncommon commitment to the team,’ and over the last five years that has been born out in the weight room, on the practice field and in the games themselves. You couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids to coach.”

In the state title game against BC High, Kelly netted the overtime goal from McGowan. Ryan and Cam McCarthy were also involved in the game-winning play, proving once again the Prep’s team concept.

“All four are skilled, hard-working players,” said Pynchon. “They all love lacrosse, always putting the team first in everything they do.”

For the five Marbleheaders who graduated this spring, they will be taking their championship pedigrees to college, with three of them — Cam McCarthy (Loyola), Kelly (Michigan) and Weissenburger (Harvard) — continuing to play the sport on the next level. As for McGowan and Bullard, they are heading to Clemson and the University of Tampa, respectively.