The Greenbrier boys lacrosse program honored nine seniors Wednesday prior to its game against county rival Lakeside.
Most of the graduating players were there when the Wolfpack started the program in 2007. They wanted to finish strong at home, but the Panthers started fast and piled on during their 15-4 win.
"It was good to play on the home field one more time," said Wolfpack senior Chandler Moody, who scored one of the team's goals. "I'm really bummed that we lost. (I) really wanted to win this game."
Lakeside senior Tom Bentley scored less than 10 seconds in after teammate Chris Tynan won the opening draw and zipped a pass on the right wing. The Panthers scored again before the 10-minute mark and were never really threatened.
"We knew it was going to be a long game," Greenbrier coach Jeff Becker said.
The teams became more physical as the game progressed. At one point during the third quarter, four Greenbrier players knelt in the penalty box and the Panthers quickly took advantage.
"The biggest thing we can do is draw the defense onto one guy, dump it out to the open guy and he has a wide open shot to the goal," Bentley said.
Lakeside's win meant Saturday's game at St. Pius X was for second place in the region and a probable state playoff berth. A trip to the state playoffs might bolster interest in lacrosse in the Augusta area, Lakeside coach Ron Ritter said.
"Just to get there would be great," Ritter said. "It would show, 'Look, somebody outside of Atlanta can play lacrosse.' And right now, I don't think we get the respect from Atlanta teams that we really deserve."
The Wolfpack had reason to be encouraged after their junior varsity squad beat the Panthers, 7-4, for their first ever win against Lakeside's younger squad. Becker said he was pleased with how the program was shaping up for future years.
"They'll be up there ready to compete," Becker said. "But (Lakeside varsity) had too many athletes. The midfield just ran us up and down the field."
Lakeside seniors Zach Long and Bentley combined for seven of the team's goals. Bentley added four assists.
Greenbrier senior Tyler Hollis was among those whose name was called before the game. He, like many of his teammates, had no experience with lacrosse when he helped start the program as a sophomore. He was a hockey player.
Hollis is now the team captain and led the Wolfpack with two goals in the loss.
"He worked so hard on his shot and worked so hard on his game that he evolved into a great player," Becker said.
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