Boys’ LAX: Germantown Academy Impresses Despite Losing To Haverford School.
RADNOR, PA – In the course of a season, a team faces all kinds of challenges. One of them involves ignoring what, according to information on paper, should happen.
If favored to win, challenges might include looking past an opponent. If favored to lose, blocking out negativity becomes essential.
Both schools of thought were in full effect April 21 at Radnor Memorial Park Turf Field, a rare evening lacrosse contest between Inter-Academic League foes Haverford School and Germantown Academy. Although the script went as predicted – Haverford School dominated early and defeated the Patriots, 15-5 – it had nothing to do with excessive or limited confidence.
The better team simply won.
“They’re a great team,” said Germantown Academy star senior Jimmy McAfee, who scored twice, as did teammate Ben Garcia. “They have great players. They got depth. Great coaching. To beat them, you have to play a perfect game. They’re really tough to beat.”
Luke O'Grady scores two different goals:
Several Haverford players were excused after the third quarter to travel back to school because they play instruments in the annual spring convert. This allowed several players to enjoy more playing time than they would normally receive.
Senior Keyveat Postell appreciated their contribution.
“When we get everybody in the game, that’s the best,” said Postell. “The reason why the best guys are that good is because (the non-starters) make everyone better in practice everyday.”
Postell led all players with three goals. Teammates Johnny Nostrant, Dox Aitken, Forry Smith, and Luke O’Grady chipped in with two each. For Germantown Academy (5-8 overall, 0-3 league), McAfee and Ben Garcia both scored twice.
Jimmy McAfee lauds Haverford School
John Nostrant compliments Germantown Academy
Keyveat Postell on the importance of team depth
Haverford coach John Nostrant was pleased that the Fords (10-3, 3-0) maintained steady pressure regardless of the score.
“We started up by 4-1 at Penn Charter and then we got sloppy,” said Nostrant, referring to a recent 12-5 win. “Then in the third quarter we scored six goals on six straight possessions. We said, ‘That’s fun! Let’s always do that.’”
Nostrant was impressed with the Patriots’ “crisp” passing.
“This is one of the better GA teams of the past few years,” he said. “They played well.”
Nostrant’s son Johnny, who netted two goals, agreed.
“They’re tough on defense,” he said. “We came into the game expecting pretty good competition, which they were.”
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com.)