Finley Boys' Lax-8 is Perfect
Coach Rick Eriksen was sent off into retirement in fine fashion as the J. Taylor Finley Middle School eighth grade boys' lacrosse team swept past every opponent this spring en route to a perfect 9-0 record.
Eriksen, who has been Finley's head coach for the past 22 years, was assisted by Vincent Tannazzo and Matthew Perlongo. The 33-player squad was captained by Kenny McCarthy and Tim Mattiace.
The "A" team attack featured Steve Cadorette, Christian Fiordelisi, Jack Montalbano and Craig Biernacki. Eriksen called the group "great shooters."
"A" team midfielders Ken McCarthy, Brendan Homire, Steve Shivers, Justin Tesoriero, Nick Castelli and Kiandre Burrell "could move the ball quickly," Eriksen said.
Tim Mattiace, Quintin Germain, Keegan Reilly and Asher King formed the "A" team's defensive unit that Eriksen termed "tough with great clears." Justin Weigold was tops in goal.
Finley's powerful offense scored 65 goals. Eriksen credited the team with having a "good work ethic," adding they "loved to practice."