Boys Lacrosse: Poolesville 16, Clarksburg 8

By Ryan Mink
rmink@digitalsports.com

Despite the game being long over, Poolesville’s final goal Wednesday night against Clarskburg was the most symbolic of them all.

Poolesville junior Peter Jackson, trying to pass the ball to a teammate, missed completely and instead found the back of the net. That’s right, the Falcons weren’t even trying to score and they still couldn’t stop.

Poolesville sure showed its offensive prowess, beating Clarksburg on the road, 16-8, with seven different players notching goals.

It was against an undermanned Coyotes squad missing two three-year starters to injury and with another three in their first week back from injuries. But there was still no doubt at the end of the night that Poolesville has a full offensive arsenal.

“This year on offense the theme of this year is play unselfish and move the ball around the crease,” Poolesville Coach Eddie Zacharek said. “Once we started doing that we established an offense and starting scoring points.”

Poolesville (2-1) has now scored 28 goals in its past two games after being held to just two goals in its season opener against Churchill. The Falcons led 15-7 at the end of the third quarter Wednesday night.

Senior midfielder Dylan Haas led Poolesville with three goals and five assists. Jackson, sophomore attackman Robby Fetchko and junior midfielder Ben Hessels each notched three goals. Senior midfielder Andrew Gardner chipped in two goals and an assist.

The Falcons players had additional motivation to beat Clarksburg because Coyotes Coach Curtiss Belcher was Poolesville’s coach until Clarksburg opened up three years ago.

“We just decided we had to show them what’s up,” Fetchko said.

That also meant Belcher knew Haas’ tendencies and had his team specifically game planned to stop the diminutive Poolesville midfielder. But even with his sideline screams to force Haas left, Haas still found a way around his defender – or passed around him.

“He’s a much better feeder than scorer although he had some good goals tonight,” Belcher said of Haas. “He’s their playmaker.”

It doesn’t seem Poolesville is short of playmakers however, meaning the Falcons are looking to improve on last year’s disappointing playoff finish. After winning their division with a 9-3 record, the Falcons -- who were seeded No. 3 in the 2A/1A West -- lost their second game to Century.

“Last year we could have ended better, but we had a great season,” junior goalie Doug Hamberger said. “We want to go further in the playoffs.”

Clarksburg (1-2) was led by three goals from freshman Mac Raum, who was by far the smallest player on the field. Junior Kevin Campos also notched two goals.

“If you see us in the end of April we won’t be the same team," Coach Belcher said. "If not, then I haven’t done my job.”