Rip or Ride

Lacrosse isn’t just about fast breaks and quick plays - this season, it’s the gritty locker-room bonds that are turning this group into something more than just a team.

Though it’s not as popular as other sports, lacrosse is growing fast across schools and communities. Known for its speed, agility, and physicality, it demands quick reflexes, strong stick skills, and smart, strategic play. At Jefferson Academy, the team is in its third year—and having one of its best and most exciting seasons yet.

“I really enjoy the team, and it’s a huge blast hanging out with all the players and meeting new people every year,” explained junior Matthew Blake.

Beyond the laughs and new friendships, that same energy fuels their connection on the field—a chemistry built as much in off-field moments as in on-field goals.

“I like the chemistry between the team. We do a lot of stuff together,” sophomore Rylan Carahasen said.

The team chemistry shines through their routines, from sharing a meal before games to celebrating victories together afterward.

“We’ll do team lunches before games and sometimes team dinners. Then, we always celebrate wins together after the game,” said Blake.

While those shared moments build the team’s foundation, game day demands a different energy. The mood shifts to hype locker-room speeches and the sharp buzz of pregame caffeine kicking in.

“We’ll go into the locker room and have a good moment together and have a speech to get hyped for the game. Then, I usually drink an energy drink,” explained Blake.

Those pre-game rituals are just part of his contribution. As a captain, Blake steps up beyond the locker room by coordinating with Coach and leading drills during practice with King.

“Outside of practice, I will help make sure that everybody’s got their stuff and I coordinate stuff with Coach a lot, and then inside practice, me and King (co-captain, Kaleb King) all lead the practice and get drills ready for Coach,” shared Blake.

Leadership is about more than helping out and organizing things—it’s about real communication and trust. During dead balls and timeouts, the team works together to turn practice prep into real-time game adjustments.

“Usually, just like talking with each other and then if there’s a dead ball or a timeout we usually will communicate on what to do,” said Carahasen.

That quick communication fuels the team’s fire, exploding into full-field shouts of support and encouragement.

“We yell and support each other during games so that the entire field can hear us,” shared Crail.

That support has pushed the team forward this season, leading to countless victories and, hopefully, a spot in the playoffs.