[ccfic caption-text format="plaintext"]
By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
The Walpole High School varsity lacrosse team has put together one of the more under-the-radar dominant seasons in program history in 2017. Following a tough 9-6 loss to conference-leading Needham (14-2) on April 25, the Rebels have rattled off nine straight wins to improve to 16-1. During the streak, Walpole has defeated quality competition such as Weymouth (8-3), Scituate (11-3), Natick (10-5), and King Phillip (13-3), and has outscored opponents 118-33 throughout the nine game span.
Following an 18-1 victory over rival Norwood on Thursday, the Rebels (16-1) have now won nine straight games and are poised to make a long run into the MIAA State Tournament later this month. Photos by Michael Flanagan
Attack-man Jake Hurley and midfielder Owen Hunter (both senior captains) have thrived all season long for the Rebels, as the duo currently leads the team in both scoring and assists. During the nine-game win streak, both Hurley and Hunter etched their names into Walpole varsity boys lacrosse history by reaching the personal milestone of 100 career points throughout their four years at WHS, an achievement that puts both in the same category as former Walpole lacrosse greats Ryan Izzo (Boston Cannons) and Davis Butts (2012 National Champ with Loyola).
During Walpole’s 12-10 victory at Newton North (13-3) on Tuesday, Hurley stepped up and delivered arguably his most clutch performance of the season. After Walpole entered the half down by four at 8-4, Hurley scored four goals, including the game-tying goal midway through the fourth quarter with the Rebels trailing 10-9. Hurley’s late efforts were part of a 4-0 Rebel run to conclude the game, as Conor Foley (two fourth quarter goals) netted the would-be game-winner with 4:18 remaining to put Walpole ahead 11-10. The Rebels added some insurance just a minute and a half later to go ahead 12-10 and prevailed by the same score, clinching their second straight Bay State Herget Division title with the win.
Goaltender Jackson Kelley has played a massive role in Walpole’s success all season long, as the senior net-minder notched nine critical saves in Walpole’s win over Newton North while compiling a .564 save percentage to this point in the season (17 games).
On Thursday, the Rebels faced off against arch rivals Norwood (4-12) at home, and saw a complete team effort in a dominant 18-1 victory on senior night.
At the time of print, the Rebels are ranked No. 17 in the laxpower.com RPI poll, and will look to finish the regular season strong when they take on non-conference opponent Norwell (9-7) on May 24. With the Herget Division wrapped up, the Rebels will now turn their focus towards making a long run into the state tournament.
