By Rod Hansen
Staff Writer

Goffstown News/Bruce Preston For the second time this season, John Stark’s boys lacrosse team saddled rival Goffstown with a 4-3 loss. Stark’s Ben Clark roughed up Brendon Shearin during first-quarter action when the teams met on May 8.

GOFFSTOWN – After beating Goffstown at home on April 29, 4-3, John Stark’s boys lacrosse team won the rematch by the same score on Monday, May 8.

“This time the score was a little too close for comfort,” said JS coach Mark Schaub. “We know we’ll be facing them a lot in the coming seasons, so it would be nice to widen the gap a little.”

After losing 12 seniors last season, Schaub said his team is similar to Goffstown’s young club. The Grizzlies are gaining experience competing in their first year as a club team.

Ross Connor scored two goals in the first quarter to put the Generals up, 2-1, at halftime. Connor added an assist in the third.

The Generals extended their lead to 4-2 after Travis Nevins and Joe Magdziarz each netted a goal in the third quarter.

The Grizzlies cut the deficit in half, firing a shot past John Stark goalie Andrew Seccerirchio.

“We looked a little more settled in the second half,” said Schaub. “Sometimes it’s easy to come out too energized, so we try to get them to pace themselves and draw that energy out over four quarters.”

Seccerirchio, who joined the team just a few weeks ago, handled himself well when the Grizzlies threatened to tie the game in the final minutes. Schaub called him the most improved player thus far.

“He just joined the team and stepped into a big role,” said Schaub. “He’s been getting better and better every game. He’s had to take over what would be the single most important position on the team.”

Finally, lacrosse has been added to the sports rivalry between Stark and GHS.

Fellow Generals coach Zach Lawson said it’s nice to see his players show their excitement prior to playing the Grizzlies.

“There’s a little added competition there,” said Lawson. “Weare kids and Goffstown kids know each other off the field, so it’s cool to turn that into something motivating on the field.”

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Goffstown’s Scott Turgeon, Brendon Shearin and Liam House-Myers netted goals for the Grizzlies.