Now the long-running boys lacrosse rivalry between Skaneateles and LaFayette has a new look.
After taking control of the series the last few years, the Lakers bore witness to the Lancers’ revival last Wednesday night, losing an 8-5 decision at Arthur Hyatt Stadium.
LaFayette went 13-4 a season ago, but lost to Homer in the Section III Class C quarterfinals, something unusual for a program that, in a 13-year stretch from 1997 to 2009, won eight sectional titles and a state championship in 2005.
With a large returning cast, LaFayette showed poise and patience in the early going against Skaneateles and seized a 2-0 lead. The Lakers, blanked in the first quarter, roared back in the second period and forged a 3-3 tie by halftime.
They stayed close until the fourth quarter, when once again Skaneateles went cold and LaFayette pulled clear, sparked by a terrific effort from goalie Noah Wallburger, who stopped 14 of the 19 shots he faced.
Zach Ross led Skaneateles with two goals. Brendan Major, Nate Scuderi and Jack Fabrizio each found the net, too, while Tyler Strods had one assist.
Remarkably, LaFayette’s eight goals came from eight different players. Louie Geswaldo, with a goal and two assists, led the way as Matt Beebe, Matt Bennett, A.J. Prichard, Brian Phillips, Chris Sargeant, Eric Liddy and Nabil Aki also would score.
Not pleased with this result, the Lakers took out that anger on Manlius-Pebble Hill a day later, toying with the Trojans in a 20-2 romp. It was over by halftime, Skaneateles steadily accumulating goals until it went to the break with a 14-0 margin.
Scuderi continued his emergence, leading the Lakers with four goals. Alex Brownlee chimed in with three goals, with Fabrizio, Connor O’Hara, Adam Carter and Jack Dawley getting two goals apiece. Steve Bright had a goal and two assists as Ross, Strods, Shaun MacConaghy and Jim Rodgers also scored.
