Florida Lacrosse News on Substack 04/07/2025
Welcome to the post!
In this issue . . .
Rivalry weekend lives up to the billing
A reminder of what is truly important
Plant’s Girls throw down the gauntlet
St Thomas and SA need a trophy to play for
Yes, Lake Mary is pretty good, both Boys and Girls
FHSAA releases final regular season rankings
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#TAFTAG
#LayOffTheRefs
#FloridaRising
#LacrosseFanandDamnProudOfIt
#StopYellingWard
#AcknowledgeFloridaLacrosse
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The Night Legends Get Made
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It’s kind of ‘cliche-ish’ but Fridy night was one for the ages in Florida. Last weekend of the regular season, and a lot of rivalry games on tap. In college, they call Tuesday games ‘the day of the hunter’ due to upset possibilities. In Florida, it’s Friday Night Lights.
In our state, given the scheduling approaches, a lot of top games this last week are played between schools that are in different classes, so it gives the schools a chance to get another great matchup before the Districts start next week, knowing they won’t have a rematch (OR TWO!) in the playoff season.
The games did not disappoint.
I was at Saint Andrew’s to watch a marvelous one between Saint Andrew’s and St Thomas. The Raiders winning in OT after SA netted two late goals to get it there. The crowd was huge and really into the game, but most importantly to me, the fan bases were cordial towards each other, instead of taking things to an unhealthy direction. This rivalry has unique aspects to it from its history, and I’m glad those remnants have faded with time.
Isn’t it time for this game and rivalry to have its own Cup or something similar to the winner? At the risk of unintentionally being blasphemous, how about a plaque with a Halo on a stick? It sits on the sideline across the field from the benches and the winning team makes a beeline to claim it?
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One game that DOES have its own trophy awarded happened 4 hours away, as Plant and Jesuit renewed their annual game for the Ihrig-Shaler Cup, with Jesuit retaining the Cup with the 11-5 win.
After an early Jesuit run made it 4-1 after the 1st, Plant rebounded with a 3-0 2nd for a 4-4 halftime. Jesuit played a heck of a second half, taking that 7-1, making it a 11-5 final. Cole Peck with 4G and Wesley Garcia with 3G to lead the way. Ashton Wells with 2G and Brand Farrior with 1G/2A for Plant.
If you’re new to the state, this is one of the best rivalries in the state.
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Back over in my area, we had another of the BDDFIFP games between Benjamin and Jupiter.
Talk about nail biting . . .
After 3, it was Benjamin 10-5, against their rival that has shown signs of an improving offense later in the season, and that Jupiter offense potted 7 goals in the 4th vs Benjamin’s 2 to send it to OT, with Benjamin winning the game there.
I can easily see the Jupiter faithful going all in during that 4th quarter, and while St Thomas is still the team to beat in Region 4, that likely regional final looks a whole lot better if Jupiter brings that production to it.
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All the way north, at Bartram Trail, the Plant Girls sent a message to the team they lost to in the finals of Girls 2A last year, pulling away late for a 15-11 win after trailing 7-5 at the half.
This 2-day road trip to BT and today’s tilt with ESJ was always geared towards a playoff run and smart scheduling for the Lady Panthers. No Region 3 team has ever won an FHSAA lacrosse title and Plant is looking to me to be the best chance this year.
Maybe a title will continue to loosen the reins in Hillsborough? Hope so! I’ve been saying for years that Girls 2A has been the most competitive Final Four of the brackets and there’s no reason to think otherwise for this year.
BT is not even close to a lock to get out of their region with Ponte Vadra and Lake Mary ahead of them in the regional rankings. The 3-time champs will need to get back to a formula where their defense can hold teams to single digits in goals allowed to make another run.
Meanwhile, Plant has to be filled with growing confidence right now and a win over ESJ would cement that.
There are other big games that I’ll handle in the normal “Games That Caught My Eye’ section below.
It was another great night around the state, thanks kids!
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My annual thank you . . .
For many of the young players in the Senior class, this week, plus the Districts, will be your last competitive game in this wonderful sport and for those not going on to college and playing at the next level, a heartfelt thank you for your efforts in participating, hopefully you found some sort of coverage here over the years, and my best wishes for you in your future.
For those moving on to the next level, HIT THE WALL and the weights! You’re a part of something special . . . #FloridaRising!
To the parents, thanks for the support of your children, the time, cost and emotional energy you donate.
To the coaches and referees who are ‘hanging them up’ - thanks for the tireless efforts at being such an important part of this sport. 99% of the coaches earn below minimum wage when the hours are toted up and I never judge by the W’s but by the kids you touch and their love for the sport you help foster. And also remember, #LayOffTheRefs !!!
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Smartening the Audience
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A little different take on this section today . . . just a reminder of the type of student-athlete this sport produces over and over. For those who still cling to the ignorance of ‘the preppy white sport’ (see AD Guzzo) . . . get lost you morons.
Godspeed to all 4 of you and may your journey be safe. You are the best.
