Coppell Boys JV Lacrosse team opened their season at home against visiting Kingwood JV this past Saturday at Coppell Middle School North Stadium. The Coppell JV unit has a new look this season with 19 new players joining the squad for the 2020 season.
The game was tight from the beginning as offensive possessions and shots on goal came at a premium. Both defenses were aggressive from the start and limited quality looks on cage throughout the game. Coppell became the first team to score when Freshman Spencer Kutchins found Sophomore Alex Haydek for a goal with just 1:04 remaining in the quarter, to give Coppell a 1-0 lead at the end of the first frame.
The strong defense continued for Coppell, as they held Kingwood scoreless through the first half of the game. Sophomore LSM Harry Hook was active on both ends of the field, grabbing 5 groundballs and forcing 2 turnovers, to go along with several foot clears. Close defenders Jonah Popp, Sophomore (1 GB and 3 forced turnovers), and Blake Robbins, Freshman (2 GB, 2 forced turnovers), were also strong on the defensive end. Junior Graham Wharton added an unassisted goal midway through the 2nd quarter to give Coppell a 2-0 lead at the half.
Kingwood finally got on the scoreboard in the third quarter, as they were able to double their attempted shots from the first half to the second half. They scored again midway through the 4th quarter to tie the game up at 2-2 with 7:35 remaining in the game.
Sophomore middie Nick Rogers continued a dominant day at the faceoff stripe, winning 7 of 8 draws with 4 ground balls, giving Coppell key extra possessions throughout the game. Freshman goalie Blu Carter was strong in net all game long, making 6 saves (75% save percentage) to go along with 2 GBs.
With less than one minute remaining, Coppell called a time out to set up for a final shot. Sophomore Alex Haydek was able to dodge to open space and get off a game winning goal with just 14 seconds remaining in the game, for an exciting 3-2 win. The Cowboys will be back on the field for their next game this Wednesday night at Coppell MS North Stadium, when they take on McKinney JV at 6 PM.