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PORTLAND — North Yarmouth Academy senior attack Stephen Connolly calls his team’s ability to play with enthusiasm for a full 48 minutes “endless hype.”
“Last game against Wells (in the semifinals), we were more hyped than we’ve ever been, and we wanted to keep that same hype,” Connolly said. “Know that we can do this, and we’ve got to get it done now.”
The Panthers’ hype was endless, and it showed in their play. NYA scored the first three goals and never trailed on its way to a 17-6 win over Maranacook/Winthrop in the Class C boys lacrosse final Saturday at Deering High’s Memorial Field.
It’s the second straight state title for top-seeded NYA (14-3), and the second straight win over the Hawks in the final.
Playing in the state championship game for the third straight season, third-seeded Maranacook/Winthrop ends the season 10-7.
“This team has a different makeup than last year, but we have a couple returning players who know what it felt like,” NYA coach Peter Gerrity said about going back-to-back. “We worked hard all season. Coming in (to the season), we didn’t know what our offense was going to look like, and it gelled really nicely.”
Nicely is an understatement. By the state final, the Panthers’ offense was incredibly potent. NYA scored 56 goals over three playoff games, including 17 in a semifinal win over Wells and 22 in a quarterfinal win over the Lawrence/Winslow/Skowhegan co-op.
“After (a 17-5 win over Wells in the semifinals) earlier this week, and seeing what we’re capable of, playing four good quarters, we were excited to go today,” Gerrity said.
Connolly scored seven goals, while Gavin Thomas added four. Amos Eichler and Cameron Veitch each scored twice. A key to the offensive prowess was NYA’s fast transition game. Within a few passes, the Panthers were able to get the ball from goalie Harry Seely to the midfield to a shooter eager to get a shot off.
“We’ve got a great goalie with Harry Seely. He can pass the ball whenever we need it. All our defense can get (the ball) up, and our offense knows where to be,” Connolly said. “That’s just practice every day, and it works for us.”
NYA led 7-1 after one quarter and 13-2 at halftime. When Connolly scored with 10:41 left in the third quarter for a 14-2 lead, the game went to running time.
“Honestly, I didn’t think transition was that bad. They are a quick team, but they like to slow it down, too, because they have a short bench like we do,” Hawks coach Daniel Brannigan said. “When they’re shooting from the top of the box and scoring goals, there’s not much we can do as a team.”
Ethan Chilton scored three goals for Maranacook/Winthrop. Jacob Lyons added a pair of goals.