Finley Seventh Grade Boys’ Lax Finishes 10-0
Although many of its players will undoubtedly go on to star-studded careers, the at higher levels, the Finley Middle School seventh grade boys’ lacrosse team will always remember its perfect 2009 season. The Falcons finished 10-0, outscoring their opponents, 136-39.
Coached by Jerome Merkerson and Joe Roy, Finley utilized a combination of speed, exceptional offensive firepower and suffocating defense to simply overwhelm foes.
The season’s final week proved especially remarkable. Finley needed to overcome perennial rivals Oldfields (10-5) and Stimson (12-5) to preserve its unblemished record and the Falcons did just that, pulling together the necessary skills and realizing a months-long dream.
Leading the offensive charge were attackmen Billy Martin (25 goals, 11 assists), John Shea (20 goals, 15 assists), Jeremy Gelb (18 goals, 6 assists) and Tommy Plant (15 goals).
Midfielders JT Caputo (15 goals, 12 assists, 52 face-offs), Ben Kocis (3 goals, 8 assists, 34 face-offs), Anthony Puca (6 goals, 4 assists, 35 face-offs), Nick Arleo (8 goals, 3 assists) and Ryan Casale (6 goals, 4 assists) supplied the scoring punch and ball control from the top.
Finley’s defensive unit featured some serious checking by Christian Jamison, Tommy Waldron, Henry Rogan, Will Shivers, Matt Pavelka, and Tim Beck, who all helped keep opponents from pressing the attack. Goalies Danny Costa, Nick Stern and John Russo combined to stop 115 shots.
Two new players burst onto the scene and contributed to the memorable season. Midfielder Gerardo Valles (2 goals, 2 assists) and rugged defenseman Hector Alvarado gave a glimpse of the great play they are capable of producing.
“It was a great season with a fantastic finish, and the coaches are very proud of what this group accomplished,” Roy said.
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