Mars, Marple Newtown to clash in state lacrosse final again
Bob Marcoux is well aware of the motivation that can be reaped from falling short.
His Mars boys lacrosse team made use of it last year, but will be guarding against it come Saturday.
For the second straight year, the Planets will face Marple Newtown, from suburban Philadelphia, for the Class 2A state championship at 2:30 p.m. at Penn State University's Panzer Stadium.
With a loss in the title game to Allentown Central Catholic in 2021 still fresh in many of its players' minds, Mars became the first lacrosse team from Western Pennsylvania to win a state championship when it defeated Marple Newtown, 9-6, last year.
"Getting back to the state championship game and winning was fuel for us last season," Marcoux said. "We felt like a golden opportunity got past us two years ago. We wanted another shot at Allentown and now, Marple Newtown is getting another shot at us.
"I think the fact that we beat them last year will play a mental role for the players leading up to the game, for sure. But once the game starts, I don't believe it will matter."
While the Tigers took early control in defeating Bayard Rustin 10-6 in Tuesday's semifinal round, Mars rallied from a four-goal deficit to top Lampeter-Strasburg 11-7.
"No one doubted that we could come back and win," said Planets senior attackman Jack Dunham. "We focused on what we needed to do and knew we could handle it."
In last year's matchup with the Tigers, Mars had to account for the Box brothers, Charlie and Brian, who combined for over 200 points in 2022. Charlie graduated, but Brian Box is back and remains a major scoring threat. He tallied the go-ahead goal early in the second period Tuesday, but will have company when it comes to attacking Mars' net and goalie Jonathan Grieco on Saturday.
Joey Yukenavitch, a junior attackman, scored eight goals in a District 1 semifinal win over Penncrest last month. Freshman Evan Kostack registered five goals against Rustin and, along with sophomore Box, is part of the Tigers' very strong group of underclassmen, which also includes sophomore goalie Marco D'Alicandro.
"They have a strong core and it's going to be a tough test for us," said Marcoux.
As was the case last year, Marple Newtown (19-5) will encounter a Mars squad (22-2) that has received considerable contributions on offense from many players.
Enzo Grieco (108 goals), Dunham (60), Ian Coulter (51), Dylan Phillips (41) and Kyle McEwen (33) have scored 76 percent of the team's goals this season.
Assists have gone to Grieco (39), McEwen (37), Coulter (31), Dunham (26) and Phillips (20). Those efforts have been spurred by Jack McKenzie winning 80 percent of the 383 faceoffs he's been on the field for.
Starters Evan Frye, Cole Yoshioka and Jack Mueller spearhead the defense and Jonathan Grieco has stopped 113 of the 194 shots he has faced.
The Planets did not allow a goal over the final 20 minutes, 55 seconds of Tuesday's semifinal win.
"The defense has been really tough and has jelled well," said Marcoux. "They were so good in the second half against Lampeter-Strasburg."
Dunham will be starting in the state final for the third straight season.
"To be part of such a strong program with great players and coaches, I realize how fortunate I am," he said.
