Braves Ranked #1 in New York State After Defeating Jamesville Dewitt 12-6
Canandaigua had difficultly starting, but after scoring four goals in each of the final three quarters the Braves defeated Jamesville-DeWitt 12-6 to move on to the Class B State Finals.
This is the first time that Canandaigua had made the State finals. Jamesville-DeWitt was held to one goal in each of the first three quarters and added three in the final quarter.
Marshall Johnson was the key to the Braves’ success. Johnson finished 17 of 19 at the face-off (89.5%) with 16 ground balls. His individual effort was key for the Braves in setting the pace of the game. In addition he also added one goal.
Canandaigua Senior Face Off Specialist Marshall Johnson
The first quarter almost appeared to be a different game then the rest of the contest. In the first quarter J-D scored the only goal with Jake Bratek scoring with a straight drive down the center during a fast-break. Gordon Gehring, of J-D, was phenomenal in the cage, making 7 saves in the opening quarter and holding the Braves scoreless.
He ended the game with 14 saves (54%). Shooting was a serious problem for the Red Rams; Canandaigua finished the game with over twice the number of shots as JD (40-19). Gehring faced 26 shots on cage from the Braves.
In the second quarter the Braves began the onslaught, scoring the first three goals of the quarter with unassisted goals from Tom LaCrosse, Johnson and Deven Alves. Canandaigua had 11 of their 12 goals unassisted with Brian Scheetz having the only assist.
Junior Middy Tommy Lacrosse Scores As Canandaigua Defeats Jamesville Dewitt
Key to their scoring success was the position from which the Braves started their drives. As the second quarter began, the Braves began to attack the cage from behind and the results were positive.
J-D’s second goal was scored when Colin Short came down on a fast-break and hit Mac Keehfus at 0:16 remaining in the half. 0:16 was more than enough time for Johnson on the face-off; after picking up his own ground ball, Johnson passed the ball up to Bryan Peck on the crease. Peck dodged the defenseman and put the ball in the back of the net 10 seconds after the face-off. The score was 4-2 at halftime.
Canandaigua continued throughout the third and fourth quarters amassing an 11-3 lead before J-D came back scoring three of the last four goals in the final quarter. With 3:54 remaining, J-D scored three more goals including a goal with 0:01 remaining on the clock. Jeffrey Sciera scored the final goal on a fast-break with the assist from Short. Short led the Red Rams with 3 assists.
Canandaigua Lacrosse Coach Ed Mulheron Celebtaes Victory Over Jamesvill Dewitt In State Semi Finals
Nick King, who celebrated his birthday today, played the majority of the game for the Braves, making 5 saves and 5 goals against. Anthony DeLeo played the final minute with only a goal against. Parker Weeks took the final two face-offs for the Braves going 1-1.
Canandaigua moves on to face the Niskayuna (Section Two) in Saturday’s State Finals. Niskayuna defeated Sayville 15-8 in the Eastern Championship match today.
Scoring for Canandaigua were Tom LaCrosse (3g), Brian Scheetz (2g-1a), Tanner Scharr (2g), Deven Alves (2g), Bryan Peck (2g) and Marshall Johnson (1g).
Canandaigua Lacrosse Slide Show
Canandaigua Lacrosse, It’s A Family Thing…
Left to Right: Coach Scheetz, Mrs. Johnson, Brian Scheetz, Coach Johnson, Marshall Johnson
