Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/6/17
Staff Report
Michael Drake understands that every team in Delaware sets its sights on knocking off Salesianum School.
Salesianum School won its third straight Delaware state title and sixth in seven years
“Every year we know everyone is gunning for us and we use it as motivation,” said the Sallies senior midfielder. “We know they want to knock us off and it’s the seniors’ job to show the younger kids the ropes and lead them to victory.”
The Sals’ seniors did just that Saturday when Salesianum defeated Cape Henlopen, 13-5, to claim its third straight state championship and sixth in seven years.
Sallies (15-3) scored 15 seconds into play on a goal by Patrick Drake and Bradley Santore (three goals, one assist) followed a minute later for a 2-0 lead. Mike Drake made it 3-0 and after Greg Boyce (two goals) scored for Cape (14-5), Santore and Michael Drake made it 5-1.
Brock Maloomian (two goals) and Boyce scored to make ot 5-3, but Cooper Urban (three goals) scored twice and Brett Hobbs gave the Sals an 8-3 halftime lead. It never got close.
“The 2017 team had strong senior leadership,” said Mike Drake, who is headed to Notre Dame. “We had 19 seniors and I truly believe having that many seniors who know how to win a state championship makes the difference.”
The Sals were prepared for the Vikings, whom they beat just 10-8 on May 12.
“Our game plan on Saturday was to jump them early and we fully executed it.” said Drake. “We scored in the first 20 seconds and never looked back after we took the early lead.”
Goalie Brady Emmi added 10 saves for the Sals.
Drake said no one has forgotten the feeling from three years ago when Cape Henlopen stunned the Sals, 9-7. to win the crown. It has been referred to as the biggest Delaware lacrosse upset in recent years.
“It feels great to go out with three straight state championships,” Drake said, “Three years ago I was on the field when we lost the game and it was one of the worst things I’ve ever experienced.
“Me and my senior brothers wanted to make sure nobody on the team experienced a state championship loss.”