The two behemoths of division-2 boys lacrosse finally will have a chance to meet in the state title game after years of shutting out the rest of the field.
On Wednesday night, Sauk Prairie defeated MadLax Conference – White rival Stoughton, 9-4 to advance to the Wisconsin Lacrosse Federation Division 2 state championship game. For their efforts, the Eagles will face three-time defending champion Catholic Memorial.
It is the first time the two teams have met in the title game, but Sauk Prairie is certainly familiar with this stage. Before Catholic Memorial went on its amazing run, the Eagles had appeared in back-to-back-back title games, taking the crown in 2011 over University School of Milwaukee.
“The players know the history, and they played against Catholic Memorial [in a 9-7 loss in April], but we’ve improved a lot since then,” Sauk Prairie coach Bennett West said.
In fact, the Eagles (15-3) went undefeated in conference play and notched victories over tough D1 opponents like Middleton and Waunakee.
On Wednesday night, however, Sauk Prairie had to get through the Vikings before making plans to travel to Waukesha. The Eagles were led by freshman attackman Willy Hanson, who scored five goals and dished an assist. Senior goalie Justin Johnson also saved 13-of-17 shots for Sauk Prairie.
Crediting a staunch Stoughton (14-7) defense, the Eagles were down 3-2 at halftime due in part to a variety of turnovers and an inability to get the ball into Vikings’ territory. However, Sauk Prairie improved in the second half by clearing better, getting through the attack to work from behind and practiced better patience while in possession of the ball, and the Eagles overtook the Vikings in the third quarter and poured in four goals in the fourth to seal the victory.
Sauk Prairie and Catholic Memorial will meet at 4 p.m. Saturday at Schneider Stadium on Carroll University’s campus in Waukesha.
