Young team faced tough competition

Despite a 6-15 overall record, the West Milford High School boys lacrosse team stepped up big time in important tournament games this season.

“I think obviously the (Passaic) County Tournament games stand out the most as we went on a nice run to return to the county finals,’’ head coach Gary Stoll said. “Also, our game against a high-ranked Ramsey team on their Senior Night (on May 16). We gave them all they could handle but ended up losing, 12-10.’’

The Highlanders toppled Pompton Lakes, 8-3, in the PCT quarterfinal round May 1) and Lakeland, 4-3, in the semifinal round May 3. They were defeated by Wayne Valley, 7-1, in the championship contest May 6.

Proper guidance from the team captains helped lead West Milford, Stoll said..

“Our captains were outstanding leaders throughout the season, but we also had some young guys step up, two of which were named captains for next season, Nash Appell and John Biegel. Also, Vincent D’Andrea stepped up as the leader of our offense.’’

The coaching staff saw vast improvements across the roster during the season.

“I think the entire team showed improvement throughout the season as we were a very young team in terms of varsity experience,’’ Stoll said. “Standouts would be Nash Appell turning into a do-it-all middie, John Biegel going from short stick to long pole to solidify our defense, and Tyler Acanfrio going off in the cage as a freshman goalie.’’

The Highlanders also played in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 2 Sectional Tournament, losing to West Essex in the opening round.

“Our overall record this year was 6-15 against extremely tough competition,’’ the coach said. “In our league (NJILL Jacobson Division), we faced five teams ranked in the top 10 in North Jersey so it was tough sledding and we finished 1-7 in the league.’’

There are many reasons for optimism about the team’s future.

“We gained a lot of valuable experience this season which will pay off down the road,’’ Stoll said.