Tyler Johnson Scores Game Winner for Blue Devils

Senior attack Tyler Johnson scored what proved to be the winning goal with about three minutes remaining to lift the Huntington boys’ lacrosse team over visiting Bay Shore on the Blue Devils’ grass field, 8-7.

Bay Shore took an early 2-0 lead before Huntington rallied for five goals in the second frame to send the Blue Devils into halftime with a 5-4 lead. The two teams continued to match each other before Johnson’s goal gave Huntington a two-goal advantage late in the game. But Bay Shore scored again to make it as close as it could be before time finally expired.

Michael Kline (8 goals; 14 assists) scored three goals and added an assist. Colin Lennon (11g; 6 a) tallied a goal and two assists. Tom Girimonti (14g: 13a) also had two assists and Brian Hrybenko (4g; 5a) also assisted on a goal. Anthony Annunziata (12g; 6a), Peter Breingan (7g) and Aidan Carrello (3g; 1a) all scored goals in the game.

Sammymac Arner recorded a dozen saves to record the win in goal for the Blue Devils. Huntington improved to 4-1 in league play and 4-2 overall.

“Our guys really persevered and we all worked together to achieve a great team win,” Girimonti said.

The game was originally scheduled to be played on the Blue Devil Stadium turf field, but was moved to the grass field when a huge track invitational that drew more than 50 teams went several hours longer than expected.

“Our defense stepped up to the plate and Tommy Kline stepped up with a huge game on defense and in my opinion deserved MVP,” Arner said.

It was a throwback game of sorts; back to a time before there were turf fields and all games were played on grass. Many Blue Devil alums were in the crowd. The bleachers were filled and dozens of Bay Shore fans stood along the east side of the field.

“It was a great atmosphere for a game,” said Julian Watts, Huntington’s head coach.