WORCESTER - In its first shot at a state lacrosse title, Walpole succeeded in fine fashion, knocking off St. John's of Shrewsbury, 17-8, at Foley Stadium last night.
"The game plan was move the ball and move your feet," said Rebels coach Jason Andalo. "When we make the extra pass and move the ball, that is the kind of game we play."
It didn't take long for the scoring to start. On the opening faceoff, there was a scrum for possession that Walpole won, getting a goal from Adam Niden about 30 seconds in, before some of the crowd had even found their seats.
The quick start continued as the Rebels got goals from senior attackman Mike White and sophomore attackman Kyle Guilbert 40 seconds apart midway through the period.
"We wanted to start fast and not let them into the game," said Walpole's Davis Butts. "Every time we won a faceoff, we took momentum from them and that is the most important thing."
Three minutes later, the Rebels hit for another double salvo when senior Ryan Izzo and Guilbert scored five seconds apart for a 5-1 lead.
"Adam and Kyle are incredible, they have really come along this year," said Butts, who assisted on Guilbert's second tally. "I know when I throw them the ball, they will finish."
St. John's rebounded to cut the deficit to 5-2 after one quarter, but Walpole pulled away for good in the second, getting seven goals from six players in a dominant offensive display. Izzo (two goals) and Butts (two assists) led the way as the Rebels went into intermission with a 12-4 lead.
The Rebels seemed to take their foot off the gas a bit in the third quarter, but still dominated possession and were able to remain in control by getting three scores, including a couple from defensemen.
Pete Bowes did it first, taking the ball from a St. John's defender attempting to clear and going in for the score. The defense was tenacious all over the field for Walpole, creating 15 turnovers in the first half and 23 for the game.
Defender Michael Connors also got into the act, taking a pass from Butts in front for a pretty goal as time expired in the third quarter.
St. John's controlled the end of the third quarter, and got a pair of goals, from senior Colin O'Rourke that broke a 13:01 scoring drought for the Pioneers, and from Eric Proos.
But Walpole was never threatened, with 10 players registering a point and six turning in multi-point performances. Butts led the way with a goal and four assists, Izzo had four goals, and Guilbert had three scores and an assist.
