Tough foes sharpen skills for boys lacrosse

HUNTLEY — It may not have seemed like it at the time, but battling against top Chicago suburban lacrosse teams is beginning to pay off for the Huntley boys.

“We’re 7-3 and three losses have all come to teams in the top five,” Red Raiders coach Dominic  Saccomanno said. “It definitely prepares us to be in a good position and to fine tune our whole system.”

HHS had not played since an 8-6 win over Barrington April 18 due to weather postponements, but through 10 matches, Saccamanno has a good idea of the team’s dedication.

“The Barrington match was a little too exciting as far as we were concerned because of the way we controlled the ball,” the coach said.

Leading scorers in the first half of the season have been senior Justin Jacobsen and junior Cole Copersmet. Copersmet scored a hat trick against one of those powerful opponents, St. Viator. Copersmet and Andrew Baumley had a pair of goals against Barrington.

“Freshman Sam Engmann had a left-handed goal,” Saccamanno said. “It takes a lot of confidence for a freshman to do that in a varsity match, but we teach all players to shoot with either hand.”

Another highlight on offense was Bobby Pupich’s six goals in the rout over Grant, 16-4. HHS also beat Whitney Young, 16-2.

Junior Collin McDougal has anchored the goal keeper position.

“He played defense last year because he was behind two senior goal keepers, but he has been one of the best goalies in the state,” Saccamanno said.

HHS, 2-0 in Fox Valley Conference matches, will host Jacobs May 4 in a league clash.