1 week Ago
Representing the East Syracuse Minoa boys lacrosse team at syracuse.com’s spring sports media day are Noah Taylor, Michael Godleski and Nick Courcy on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. (Marilu Lopez Fretts | Contributing photographer) Marilu Lopez Fretts Kevin L.
Smith | [email protected] Jon McCoy has been at the helm of the East Syracuse Minoa boys lacrosse squad for the past 18 years. In that time, McCoy said he couldn’t remember exactly when the Spartans last topped Fayetteville-Manlius.
However, according to syracuse.com records, it’s been at least 15 years since ESM has come out on top against the Hornets. Led by five goals from Cayden Claflin , the Spartans triumphed with a 13-12 victory on Saturday afternoon.
4/26 - 12:00 PM Boys lacrosse Final Fayetteville-Manlius 11 East Syracuse Minoa 12 “It’s been a long time,” McCoy said. “I honestly don’t remember too many victories (versus F-M). We’ve always played well against them, but today seemed different.
The boys got at it, so it feels nice to get this win.” ESM held onto the lead throughout most of the 40 minutes. The Spartans, however, knew no lead was safe against the Hornets, which made for a tight matchup.
After F-M led 7-6 at the break, ESM took leads as high as two goals. When the Hornets cut the deficit to a goal with a few minutes left in regulation, the Spartans buckled down on defense. “Our defensive unit came up with big stops,” McCoy said.
“And our goalie ( Ethan Pickard ) made very big stops at critical points. He played his best game of the season." McCoy noted that senior Thomas Gallery , ESM’s faceoff specialist, held his own when the team was down a player for a penalty.
“We played our best game to date,” McCoy said. We needed to bring the effort and accomplish the feat. It was a matter of our team sticking together and executing offensively and defensively.
" Claflin, who led the charge on offense, also had an assist. “He’s been phenomenal all season,” McCoy said. “He’s been valuable for us.
” Also for ESM, Michael Santillo finished with three goals and three assists. Noah Taylor recorded two goals and two assists, while Nicholas Courcy added two goals and an assist. Thomas Porter had a hat trick for the Hornets.
Henry Dougherty tallied two goals and two assists, and Jonathan Schalk and Randal Hearn each had two goals. Colin Clark chipped in a goal and two assists. The Spartans (4-4) face Oswego on Tuesday at 7 p.
m. McCoy is hoping Saturday’s win is a confidence booster as ESM enters the second half of the regular season. “It’s been a very tough schedule for us, but we’ve seen it as a momentum builder,” McCoy said.
“We have plenty of formidable opponents left this season. It’ll be challenging, but it’ll make us better and hopefully prepare us for sectionals.” F-M (5-3) hosts West Genesee at 7 p.
m. Tuesday. Contact Kevin L.
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