RHS Boys’ Lacrosse
Garnets Fall to Powerhouse Yorktown in Season Opener

Tied 1-1 with Westchester’s pre-eminent lacrosse team after a quarter of play, Rye could not have asked to be in a better position at home against Yorktown April 2.
The Garnets’ inspired effort didn’t hold up, though, as the Cornhuskers scored seven unanswered goals to spoil Rye’s season opener, 9-2.

“I was happy with some of the things I saw, but there is also a lot that needs to be improved,” said Rye head coach Brian Dooley, a Yorktown alumnus. “It was the first game of the year, and the first of 15 steps we need to take before the playoffs. Yorktown’s program is what we’re trying to emulate here in Rye, and I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

The Huskers wasted little time in testing Rye’s defense at Nugent Stadium. They settled in quickly and attacked with patience and precision. However, they were turned away early and often by standout play from senior goaltender Tim Jones, one of five Garnet captains. Jones made a handful of saves in the first six minutes of the game, and was also fortunate to be bailed out by a few shots that ricocheted off the crossbar and posts. Although he eventually gave up nine goals, Jones did make 16 saves against a relentless offense.

“I thought Tim did a really nice job against those guys,” said Dooley. “He made a bunch of saves and played like a captain should.”

Yorktown finally broke through 6:18 into the first quarter on a Kevin Interlicchio goal. Much to the delight of the healthy audience on hand, Rye answered back just over three minutes later. Senior Andrew Wood, who will head south to the University of Alabama in the fall, fired a pass to junior Cole McCormack, and the midfielder punched it in.

The Huskers proved why they’re one of the top teams in the country in the second quarter. They quickly sliced into Rye’s defense in the first minute, and took a 2-1 lead at 11:07. They added three more goals over the next 6:37, highlighted by John Ranagan’s no-look, over-the-shoulder goal at 4:47. The scintillating score left many in attendance awestruck.

The Garnets played two games post-press time, and next see action April 15 at Hendrick Hudson. There’s no reason Rye shouldn’t contend for a fifth-straight Class C Section championship, as they’ve once again put together a talented and deep squad. Despite graduating many seniors, the team has a wealth of experience in players like McCormack, who has started since his freshman year. With Jones in goal and his fellow senior captains – Patrick O’Callaghan, Donald Keough, Tom Kehlenbeck, and Robert Santangelo – prowling all corners of the field, the Garnets are indeed formidable.