Wilson's OT goal gives Radnor its first state title
HERSHEY, Pa. - Just before the season began, the Radnor boys' lacrosse team lost one of its most important figures when assistant coach George "Senior" Corrigan passed away at 84.
HERSHEY, Pa. - Just before the season began, the Radnor boys' lacrosse team lost one of its most important figures when assistant coach George "Senior" Corrigan passed away at 84.
From that moment on, the Raiders decided what their goal would be: Win it for Senior.
With 48 seconds left in overtime of the PIAA state final Saturday against St. Joseph's Prep, Jack Wilson made sure they did.
Wilson scored off a Drew Ryan pass to give Radnor an 11-10 victory and its first state title.
While his teammates celebrated on the turf at Hersheypark Stadium, Wilson was at a loss for words.
"I was just in disbelief; total shock. It's unreal to win one for Senior," Wilson said. "I saw Jack Norton get covered, and I had a lane. Drew Ryan made a great pass, and the ball just ended up in the back of the net."
Many Radnor players pointed to the sky after the win in memory of Corrigan, a long-time Radnor assistant and a fixture of the lacrosse community.
"The last things [Corrigan] talked about was manning up for Radnor lacrosse," head coach John Begier said. "Our guys loved him, and we talk about him every day. The entire program wanted to win it for him."
The game was a tight battle throughout, with St. Joseph's Prep (19-6) getting two straight goals in the closing minutes from Griffin Fleming and Stephen Tobia to tie it at 10 with seconds to play.
The Raiders (21-6) started overtime on the wrong foot, losing the faceoff and giving the Hawks a chance to set up their high-octane offense for a three-minute possession.
"I have not seen a three-minute offensive possession, in overtime, where we lived to fight another day," Begier said. "We stuck together. It was do what you've got to do, and they played as a seven-man unit. They got a stop and they got out."
Goalie Alex Andersen made 11 saves, including a couple from point blank in the extra period to keep the Hawks off the scoreboard.
"I don't think I've ever been this happy after a win," Andersen said. "The fact is, winning it in a game like this is huge. Them coming back and getting the momentum, and then us making a big stop in overtime. It's emotional. It's a very, very powerful feeling."
After making a big stop on defense, Radnor gained possession, quickly crossed midfield, and called a timeout to collect itself and reset. Offensive coordinator Mike Friel told the team what play to run.
"We've been working on that play since almost day one of the season," Wilson said. "It was like our go-to play."
Radnor made a few passes, and Ryan found Wilson on a seam to get the shot.
"We wanted to move their defense around a little bit and get Wilson for a great cut," Begier said. "Their goalie (Mike Marchese) was fantastic. He played unbelievably, so when it when in, I couldn't believe it."
Wilson's game-winner was his second goal of the game. Ryan led the way for Radnor with four scores and two assists.
The 21 combined goals were the most in a PIAA boys' lacrosse championship.
Radnor 3 2 3 2 1- - 11
St. Joseph's Prep 2 3 1 4 0 - 10
Goals: R-Drew Ryan 4, Jack Wilson 2, Clayton Proctor 2, Jack Norton 1, Kyler Albany 1, Mike Thompson 1; SJ-Kevin Stump 3, Stephen Tobia 2, Griffin Fleming 2, Peter Gayhardt 1, Mike Shapiro 1, Andrew Watts 1
Saves: R-Alex Andersen 11; SJ-Mike Marchese 9.