Mars boys lacrosse scoring at torrid pace
BUFFALO TWP — Goals piling up in quick succession is not an uncommon sight when it’s Mars players taking the shots. In fact, it’s become a trademark of the Planets’ boys lacrosse team.
The team’s attack was at it again Wednesday, scoring 10 goals in the first period of a 23-3 victory at Freeport.
“It’s a lot of fun playing with so many guys able to find the net,” said Mars senior attack Wesley Scurci, who paced the Planets with five goals, all in the first half. “You see the numbers we put up and everybody on this offense can score.”
The Planets’ scoring has been sparked by the addition of first year co-offensive coordinators Kyle Savage and Stephen Latona, who were teammates at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va.
“My first impression of the team was that it has an incredible level of talent, top to bottom,” said Savage. “Guys like Austin (Cote), Wes and Josh (Seipp), they’re all amazing players.”
“Before this year, we were more free-flowing on offense,” said Mars head coach Bob Marcoux. “Kyle and Stephen have added a little more structure, some new formations and it’s been good for us.”
And not so good for opponents. Through 10 games, the Planets (10-0, 6-0) are averaging over 19 goals per contest.
Scurci leads Mars with 37 goals this season, with Enzo Grieco (35), Cote (32) and Jack Dunham (26) helping to provide valuable balance.
Scurci also has a team-leading 18 assists.
The numbers are made even more impressive considering Mars’ reserves have played the vast majority of second halves due to lopsided scores.
Savage lauded the team’s defense, led by captains Tucker Kush and Quinn Fuller.
“Our practices are great,” he said. “We have a top-notch offense going up against a top-notch defense. It’s the best competition our guys get and it’s definitely made the offense better.“
Freeport (4-4, 2-2) had scored a combined 50 goals in its previous three games, all victories. The Yellowjackets were held to six shots Wednesday, with Andrew Sullivan scoring twice and Cyp Selinger scoring the other goal.
“Mars is going to make a lot of teams look bad,” said ‘Jacket coach Jarvis Lindsay. “They can shoot the outside shot so well. We try to keep our kids on a leash with doing that, but Mars’ players have excellent ball placement with their shots.
“They’re a juggernaut.”
Freeport hosts Sewickley Academy Friday, the same day Mars travels to Upper St. Clair.
Scurci and the Planets know tougher tests await them, but they have common goals that have helped them form a very strong bond.
They’re chasing a sixth consecutive WPIAL Class 2A championship and would love to get another shot at winning a state title after losing in last year’s final.
“After last year’s game, all of us juniors looked at each other,” he said. “We all know getting another shot is the goal and we worked hard all offseason to make it happen.”
