Another Level
ADAMS TWP — When you’re beating teams by an average of more than 16 goals per game, you need to find motivation beyond that of stiff competition in the regular season.
Mars boys lacrosse is inspired by its 2021 campaign, which saw the Planets reach the state championship game with a perfect 22-0 record before losing a 14-5 decision to Allentown Central Catholic.
“They handled us pretty good,” said Mars coach Bob Marcoux. “Their defense knew what we were going to do. We’re working to make sure we have an answer for that.”
In the meantime, the Planets, five-time defending WPIAL Class 2A champions, have been dominant as usual and ran their record to 7-0 with an 18-1 dismantling of North Hills at the Mars Athletic Complex Thursday night.
Sophomore Enzo Grieco led the way with five goals while Jack Dunham and Wesley Scurci both scored three times.
Jacob Caringola and Kyle McEwen tallied two goals apiece. In all, eight different Planets found the net.
“We’re figuring things out on offense and this team is very unselfish,” Marcoux said. “A lot of different guys are contributing.”
When Mars gets up on an opponent by several goals, it keeps its foot on the gas and victories this season of 18-2, 17-1, 24-1 and 26-2 prove it.
“That’s the way we were brought up, play until the final whistle,” said senior midfielder Tucker Kush. “Our coaches tell us to not focus on the other team, but on ourselves and how we can improve.
“The way last year ended is definitely motivation for us.”
Thursday’s lopsided outcome came despite the absence of several major contributors from Mars’ lineup, including faceoff ace Ian Edinger, defenseman Quinn Fuller, attack Josh Seipp and midfielder Austin Cote.
“We had some key guys who were not healthy near the end of last year,” said Marcoux. “The guys who sat out tonight, it’s maintenance. We just want to make sure little injuries don’t turn into something big.”
The Planets are traditionally very strong in faceoffs and Edinger and Jack McKenzie have not wavered in that respect.
The biggest surprise has been the play of freshman goalie Luke Spreng, who stopped two of the three shots he faced Thursday. He has filled in for junior Jonathan Grieco while the latter recovers from an injury sustained during wrestling season.
“Jonathan should be back within a few weeks,” said Marcoux. “Our defense has been very solid. We had no idea what we were going to get from Luke, but he’s been unbelievable.
“We just tell the team we need to keep hitting singles ... continue to make the easy plays.”
Mars visits Indiana Tuesday.
