’Pac Beats Arlington, Fall Short vs. Guilderland

MAHOPAC—The Mahopac High boys lacrosse team opened its week with an easy win over Arlington, before taking a disappointing loss to Guilderland. After Thursday's 17-6 win against Arlington, the Indians (8- 4, 2-1) were unable to overcome yet another slow start in Saturday's 8-6 loss to Guilderland.

Left: ‘Pac keeper John McGuigan faces a shot from Gui lderland attacker. Photo by SKIP PEARLMAN. The Indians scored four of the last five goals against the Flying Dutchman, but an early 7-2 deficit proved to be too much to overcome.

“We came out flat,”said coach Mike Haddeland. “If we had two more minutes in that game, I think we win.”

TJ Foley and Kevin Carey each scored twice to lead an offense that got going in the second half but just ran out of time. Johnny McGuigan got the start in net and finished with 16 saves.

“I don't know how it happens,”said Haddeland. “When they come out and do their warm ups, they sound hyped up to play, and then when the whistle sounds they get out hustled, outworked, they make bad decisions. Then in the second half it's like a totally different team, they fight hard, they're all over ground balls, they're winning battles, they're scoring goals.”

Mahopac’s TJ Foley eyes the goal, as defender tries to block shot. SKIP PEARLMAN While they needed a half to get going against Guilderland, the Indians jumped all over Arlington from the opening whistle.

“There's a lot of hype around Arlington,” said Haddeland. “Our guys wanted to come out and prove they were a good team.”

Nine different players scored for the Indians, led by Jon Bota, and John Brandofino, who each had four goals and an assist in the game. Chase Thompson added three goals and two assists, while Carey finished with three assists.

Mahopac’s John Brandofino looks for a shot against Guilderland. SKIP PEARLMAN “A lot of guys who got an opportunity to play,” said Haddeland. “The guys who got an opportunity definitely did a great job for us, they let up a pair of goals but I was happy with the effort, it was a nice team win where everybody gets in and does their job.”

McGuigan made the start in net once again, he finished with 10 saves before coming out for the final few minutes of the game.

The Indians next game is today (Thursday) at Lakeland-Panas at 4:30, they will follow that up with Saturday's home game against Putnam Valley at 1:00.
Long pole Matt Setzer brings ball across midfield Saturday at Mahopac. SKIP PEARLMAN
Chase Thompson of Mahopac uncorks a shot Saturday night against Guilderland. SKIP PEARLMAN
Okie Bernabo looks to pass in Saturday’s game against Guliderland. SKIP PEARLMAN