With an undefeated league record to go with strong non-league performances, the boys’ varsity lacrosse team appears poised for an MCAL pennant and a deep NCS playoff run.
The Giants (10-4 overall, 6-0 in MCAL) are tied for first place in the league with fellow undefeated squad Novato (7-3, 5-0), who provided the lone hiccup in Redwood’s season last year by stealing the MCAL championship.
On paper, this year’s postseason looks to be a three-team race for the league title. Marin Catholic (6-4-1, 4-1) lost to the Giants earlier this year, but is still a major contender to reach the finals along with Redwood and Novato.
Redwood is eyeing more than just an league title, though. MaxPreps ranks the squad 12th in the state while LaxPower.com has Redwood behind only Acalanes in all of Northern California.
A bevy of talented seniors has helped the Giants live up to their lofty expectations entering the season. Liam Bourke (committed to Michigan) and Matt Kennis (Brown) are joined by Carl Mesker and goalie Oliver Madison on a stellar defense that, as of press time, has allowed under six goals a game overall and under three goals a game in MCAL.
Bourke has taken on an increased offensive role thus far, using his standout athletic ability to pick up ground balls and instigate a potent attack along with Patrick Tracy and Jack Cathcart.
Freshman Jack Elders has joined seniors Jonathan Gibbs, Peter Mascheroni, and Tommy Luttrell to form an impressive midfield.
The Giants’ recent 5-4 loss to Lakeridge High School, last year’s Oregon state champions, came without Tracy, Mascheroni, Gibbs, and Matt Friend.
Three weeks ago, Redwood beat Foothill 15-3 and followed up the victory with a 10-7 win over De La Salle the next week. The victory marked the first time in recent history that the Giants had beat De La Salle’s lacrosse powerhouse.
However, a hard-fought loss to NCS rival Monte Vista last month showed Redwood that their road to an NCS championship repeat would not be any easier than last year, despite a more experienced roster.
The Giants will play one of their most difficult games tonight against St. Ignatius, a historically dominant lacrosse team that is ranked fifth in the state this season.
