At the halfway point of the season, the Walter Johnson Boys lacrosse team has built a solid 5-3 record, showing resilience and steady improvement since last year, especially against a tougher schedule.
“Being on the team for my third year, this team is the strongest we’ve had and I’m excited to get to work with this group of guys,” junior long-stick midfielder Luke Notaro said.
The Cats opened their season on Friday, March 20 with a tough loss to a skilled Sherwood team 6-8, followed by a strong bounce-back performance just days later. On March 24, Walter Johnson secured a decisive win against Clarksburg, 15-8, with four players scoring 2 or more goals. These games showcased their offensive strength and ability to respond under pressure.
However, consistency remained a challenge, as the team fell 7-11 to Quince Orchard on March 27 heading into Spring Break. Despite the setback, the Cats continued to work during the break, having a play day against Gaithersburg and Wheaton High Schools to shape the team even stronger going forward.
Since then, the cats have found their rhythm. In one of the most exciting games of the season, the team earned a hard fought victory against rival BCC with a thrilling, clutch game winner by senior Elijah Hoffman-Byer. The momentum carried into their most recent matchup on April 10, where they edged out a win against Wootton HS, 10-9.
Through those five games, the Cats have demonstrated growth in both teamwork and execution. Close games have tested their composure, while key wins have proven their ability to perform in high-pressure situations, crucial to get themselves far in the season.
As the second half of the season begins, the team looks to build on its recent success, improve consistency and continue to compete at a high level.
“Our ability to compete with any team in Montgomery County and the work ethic that we’ve dialed in this season is going to carry our momentum to the offseason,” senior goalie Evan Ryder said.
With momentum on their side, Walter Johnson positioned themselves as a team to watch heading into the latter part of the season, with one of their biggest games of the season, Monday April 13 against Whitman where they fell just short 9-12. Despite the loss, the Cats have worked tremendously hard to put up a good fight against the county’s top teams.
Wrapping up divisional games of the season, the Cats finished strong with a deliberate win against Churchill 9-1, where senior captain Henry Dash led the pack with 5 goals. Guiding into the rest of the week, pushing the momentum the team was able to rack up another blowout win against Northwest on April 20th, 15-0.
The Cats will take on the Poolesville Falcons tonight at 7:15 PM, dedicated to celebrating the seniors on the team. The tradition culminates the growth and bonds formed throughout the season and their high school careers. With a hefty amount of seniors graduating this year, these final home games will highlight the transition from student athlete to the next chapter of their lives, leaving everything they have to this unforgettable season.
