WARD MELVILLE 13      HUNTINGTON 6

JUNE 5, 1999

If there was any lingering doubt about this team's abilities or commitment after watching the performance against Northport, it was erased today. You gotta believe. The Patriots do, but they didn't talk about it... they showed us. The game started with a deliberate pace and the ball in the Blue Devils possession a little more than we are accustomed to as the teams seemed to take each other's temperature. The first six minutes saw a mix of calls that are not usually seen in the season and the team needed to adapt...and they did. Derrick Preuss got things rolling as he took matters into his own hands, beating his man cleanly and firing his shot home for goal number one with about three minutes left in the quarter. First blood! The Patriots then reeled off three more unanswered goals to end the first at 4-0. Drew Casino picked a loose ball and found net for one of the four. Preuss' number two, executed on a flat pass from Kurt Gerry. The Melville squad was intensified by the presence of their key defenseman Chris Passavia who played with force and determination despite a shoulder injury.

The second quarter started off with a little less energy which resulted in two Huntington goals and the lead cut in half. One missed marking assignment and a slow slide gave the Blue Devils their opportunities. (In fact, the Huntington squad played hard throughout the contest. No ball went unchallenged and they gained their share of possessions. They are a good team and certainly a worthy opponent in this year's county finals. They are very athletic with good passing skills and speed. The Einhorn brothers and Logigan are their marquee names along many other talented players). All the while, face-off middies Drew Casino and Chris Biel performed their roles well. Derek Kunkel was sharp and stopped all but Huntington's best opportunities. Not happy with this reduced margin the Patriots went back to work on offense and put in another three goals and had number four called back as time ran out. Willy Passavia smoked one on a great feed from Matty Mo' on man-up for goal number 5 to get things going again. Morgan then pounced on a ball dropped by the Blue Devils sophomore keeper and deposited it into the open net. Moments later Brendan, working the ball, drove across and delivered a beautiful shot inside the pipe to bring the margin to five. The score was 7-2 at halftime and the game well in control. The boys played with intelligence and intensity across the board. Captains Derrick Preuss, Derek Kunkel, and Willy Passavia looked like they were pumping up their team. These veterans were obviously happy to be on the Hofstra turf for their turn as senior leaders to take a run at the Championships. It was great to see.

Melville continued their aggressive play at both ends of the field and widened the margin. After an early Blue Devil goal at 7-3, the boys put in three more before Huntington found the cage again for a 10-4 lead. Willy Passavia on a strong drive and powerful shot, Brett Raboy with 2 driving across his short stick defender, Matty Mo' with a great move from the sidelines, splitting his defenders and outrunning them with a great finish. The Pat's added one more and then cruised for a while. Huntington seized the opportunity and struck for two more goals and gave their fans something to cheer about. They got excited and hoped that this could be the beginning of a monumental comeback with the lead cut to 11-6. The boys hammered two more to finish the 1999 Suffolk County Final at a respectable 13-6 score. Derrick Preuss had two superb finishes on great feeds from Monfett and Morgan. Each important goal came from those with the opportunity. As we've seen before, this Melville team can score from any position. Eight goals from the attack and five from the midfield. Like a river that can't be stopped, they find their way around any obstacles and get to their destination. Preuss with 5 and the MVP, Morgan with 2 and 2, Willy Passavia with 2, Raboy with 2, Monfett with one and  two precision assists, and Casino with one. The defense was stingy and alert throughout with each man holding his place. Bryan Mendez and Chris Mele showed growth in their games and sophomore Ryan Kelaher continued to show why he's there. Two more outstanding defensive performances from Todd Cunningham and Drew Casino as they gave no space to their marks. The team played very, very well. And they have much, much more to give. We have not yet seen their best game! This team is still growing in every way...as individuals, as athletes, and as a lacrosse team. You can feel that they are no where near a peak....they may have to play all summer to find out where they can bring this.

It's not just the trophies and tradition...these guys love to play lacrosse...and in New York high school lacrosse, these are the games that get your blood pumping! But we fans will settle for one good game at a time. And maybe...a great game to settle the best of three with you know who...

Congratulations to all the players who have earned the right to keep practicing and play again for the Long Island Championships on Tuesday Evening June 8th at Hofstra. Please check the time and look for the Raboymobile as your rally point. 

Play hard. Go Patriots!!

P.S. Thanks to Rene and Dave Raboy for their hospitality in hosting the tailgate party.  The mood was festive and the accommodations superb!! Get your motor running for the trip up I-81.

P.P.S.

STATISTICS