Tradition of Winning- Weddington Men’s Lacrosse Team Rocks and Rolls Past Tough Opponents, Starts Season 5-0

Kendall Smith, Sports Reporter

A “three-peat” is what could be in store this season for the Weddington High School Men’s Lacrosse Team. What’s that you might ask? Well, it’s the chance for the team to earn their third 3A State Championship Title in a row. Securing championship wins in both 2017 and 2018, there is certainly an abundance of pressure on the boys to step up once again this season, and add another ring to their collections.

The Men’s Lacrosse Team, though aware of the high expectations that are upon them, are not taking the easy route this year to get to their goal of another title. The schedule of the team is considered “immensely challenging” by many, but proving their strength, ability, and talent, the boys are already off to a 5-0 start on the season.

The first “big dub” for the team came in their home opener against 4A Charlotte Mecklenburg  lacrosse powerhouse, Myers Park. The boys secured a 14-9 victory, in which senior captain James Shipley had an extra reason to celebrate, scoring his 100th career goal during the matchup.

For their second game, played against the defending 4A State Champions Lake Norman High School, Weddington once again proved that the size of a school nor the hype surrounding their program are not daunting factors. Winning with a score of 13-9, and celebrating junior captain AJ Todaro’s 100th career goal, made the night a successful one. The victory brought the Warriors to a record of 2-0 on the season.

For their third win of the season thus far, the boys steamrolled Charlotte Catholic Monday the 18th with a final of 13-2. This game proved to be another eventful matchup, as at halftime the 2018 State Championship Weddington Football Team was presented with their rings.

What’s next for the team you might ask? Well, their strength in schedule only seems to be amplifying from here on out. As stated earlier, the Warriors are taking the road less traveled on the way to their next State Title, competing against some of the most highly ranked teams in the nation. The team traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina to take on Northwest Guilford scoring yet another victory, and on Saturday the 20th at 2:00pm, the boys will hosted The McCallie School out of Chattanooga, Tennessee. McCallie is a boarding school that is known for its lacrosse program. Boasting several D1 college commits, but the warriors still went on to score their fifth victory.

As for next week, the team will host Dublin Coffman High School out of Dublin, Ohio. The game is scheduled for Monday, March 25th at 6:30pm. Dublin Coffman, like McCallie, is yet another strong lacrosse team looking to knock the Warrior win streak. It is evident that by teams traveling from near and far to take on Weddington, everyone wants to have their shot at the Warriors.

“Starting off the season on a good note is always important, especially playing some of the best teams from neighboring states. I am confident that we are capable of getting the job done.” Commented sophomore football and lacrosse star, Will Shipley when asked about his thoughts on the season and the schedule of the team.

Being ranked 7th in the nation by Maxpreps, Weddington is clearly an elite lacrosse program. However, in order to set themselves up for their best opportunity for a “3-peat” the team must keep their composure, especially in the next several games, as they will play teams who they have never faced before. With their eyes on the prize, and their goal of another ring, Weddington isn’t backing down to any opponent as they trek along their journey to a “3-peat.”