The Chagrin Falls Tigers Boys Lacrosse team turned in a dominant performance on April 5 against the Hawken Hawks at CS Harris Stadium.
The Chagrin Falls Tigers Boys Lacrosse team turned in a dominant performance on April 5 against the Hawken Hawks at CS Harris Stadium.
Led by Drew Zelch —who netted seven goals — and Joey McCamon, who pitched a shutout in goal, the Tigers defeated the Hawks 16-0.
From the start, the Tigers were dominant when Zelch scored the first three goals of the game to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead heading into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, the Tigers added goals by Nick Morris, Jacob Kay and Cole Ducas.
Leading 6-0 to start the third quarter, the Tigers continued their domination as they scored 10 second half goals.
Post-game, Zelch discussed his amazing game which included seven goals, and fielding six ground balls.
“It felt great to be out there with the boys. It felt good getting the W,” Zelch said
Zelch recalled his first goal of the game. He said that he was on the wing and was able to dodge his defender. Then he just shot the ball as hard as he could.
In talking about Zelch’s great performance, Chagrin Falls Head Coach Zak Gebler said that Zelch is an amazing player.
“He’s a special talent, he has athleticism and he has grit,” said Gebler. “His determination to score and draw the double and move the ball, it’s not something you see that often.”
As one of the top goal scorers in Ohio, Zelch talked about his mentality when preparing for competition.
“It’s the same mentality. I come to the games thinking the same thing, play my best and make sure everyone around me has a good time, and look one more time before (shooting the ball) and do something else to get the ball to them,” Zelch said.
In addition to scoring a lot of goals, Zelch said he tries to find the open players on the field and get others involved in scoring goals.
This emphasis on teamwork which is exemplified in Zelch’s play is consistent with the Tigers mantra of “Brotherhood.” In large letters on the back of their uniforms the word “Brotherhood” is spelled out.
Zelch said the team celebrates together after they score a goal which shows their cohesion and togetherness.
Coach Zak Gebler said that “Brotherhood” is a mantra that the team has utilized since the mid-2010s.
Gebler said that developing a culture of “Brotherhood” starts by having a mentoring program where the upperclassmen serve as mentors to the underclassmen.
Gebler believes by implementing strategies to build a positive culture, the program is inclusive and helps the underclassmen feel a part of the program.
In addition to the excellent play of Zelch and the offense, certainly the cohesion between the offense and defense is crucial.
One of the main defensive leaders for the Tigers is senior goalie Joey McCamon.
McCamon also mentioned that a focus on brotherhood is an important part of what makes the Tigers program successful.
“(The concept of brotherhood) Is super influential,” said McCamon. “We need to be one as a team when we’re out there on defense. We need to be fighting together, and be aggressive. It needs to be everyone, not just one person.”
After the game, Coach Gebler discussed the great game and season McCamon is having in goal. In particular, Gebler noted how well McCamon sees the ball.
“Joey’s been a staple of the program for four years now,” said Gebler. “When he is seeing the ball well he’s a top tier goaltender and tonight he was definitely seeing the ball well.”
He continued: “With that defense in front of him you know, it’s a force to be reckoned with. We have some special players out there who can really create some takeaway opportunities for us.”
For the game, in addition to Zelch’s seven goals, also contributing to the Tigers offensive performance were Owen Adelman (2 goals), Johnny Catney (2), Owen Edwards (2), Cole Ducas (1), Jacob Kay (1) and Nick Morris (1).
Leading the Tigers in assists for the game were Kay and Edwards with 3 each. Also recording assists for the Tigers were Luke Neimeier (2) and Liam Gambrill (1).
The Tigers will next return to the field on April 10 when they host Jackson.
