Patton named Coach of the Year, four players make all-league

The boys lacrosse team fielded a very young squad this year, but still had four players named to all-league teams. Senior Matt Harris earned second-team defense, senior Trey Stadeli was honorable-mention attack, as was junior Gator Haken, and Anthony Randolph was named honorable-mention goalie.

Harris led the Outlaws with 91 ground balls this past season, scored six goals, and had two assists, which is pretty impressive considering his position rarely leaves the defensive end of the field.

“Matt was a team captain and leader of the defensive unit, which was mostly younger players,” said Coach Paul Patton. “His leadership and knowledge of the game had a tremendous impact on our young team.”

Doug Hull, who assisted Patton in the coaching duties, also had words of praise for Harris.

“This year Matt was asked to lead a group of freshmen and one sophomore on the defensive side of the ball. It was at times difficult, but we believe that because of Matt’s leadership this younger defensive core will be better for years to come. As a senior, he will be missed for his fire, as well as his humility.”

Stadeli scored 17 goals during the course of the season, and had eight assists in just 10 games. Trey led the offensive unit, and was also a team captain.

“Trey’s four years of varsity experience made him an invaluable asset on the field,” said Patton. “He taught the younger players on the team a lot, and we’ll be better for that in the future.”

Hull said, “Trey has always been that on-the-field-coach for the team all four years. He has an extensive lacrosse IQ, which allows him to play and create plays whether it be with his feet or moving the rock quickly from player to player to get a quick score.”

Haken led the team with 28 goals, and eight assists in just 10 games. Gator was also one of the Outlaws’ team captains.

“Gator is a talented athlete and skilled lacrosse player,” said Patton. “He’s very capable of creating shots for himself off the dodge, but also is a good team player who helps others around him be better.”

Hull added, “Gator has taught our younger core how quick and versatile a player can be with a small hesitation move and then a burst of speed. Many people who know Gator know he plays hurt and often with pain. He is what I call a ‘gamer.’ When the team needs him he will play through pain and adversity to help the team in whatever role that may be, from face off to getting back on defense after a turnover, as well as creating turnovers from the ride.”

Goalie Anthony Randolph had 124 saves and faced 447 shots over 12 games.

Patton said, “Last year Anthony played lacrosse for the first time, and he didn’t get much playing experience as we had a senor goalie, but his work in practice and at off-season camps allowed him to step into the starting job, and this year his play was phenomenal.”

Hull said, “Anthony is a three-sport athlete and devotes his body to the sport he’s in, but as a lacrosse goalie that means so much more. With minimal protective gear he has to stand up to a hard rubber ball coming in at speeds of around 80 to 90 miles per hour. His happy-go-lucky attitude keeps the next play mentality to the forefront. As a goalie facing so many shots, you need to brush off the ones that get by. In one game he had a poor first half, and then made adjustments, and came out to shut the door, which allowed us to come back and win. We wouldn’t have had the season we did without him between the pipes.”

The Outlaws also earned the league’s Sportsmanship Award, which is voted on by the league coaches. This marked the second time in three years the Outlaws have been selected for the award.

Patton said, “It’s nice to see our emphasis on playing the game the right way, and conducting ourselves in an admirable way acknowledged.”

Of the sportsmanship award, Hull stated, “This award means we’re creating a culture that allows others to play hard, but be respectful of the other team, whether they play dirty or clean. This team stayed in check by their peers, which says a lot towards the culture of Outlaws lacrosse.”

And to top it off, Patton was named Coach of the Year.

Patton said, “I was surprised to win this award because it usually goes to a coach whose team has won the league or made a big improvement over the previous season. Our team only won one league game this year, but I think that the other coaches in the league recognize that we did a really good job this year of competing with a very young squad, of which 14 of 22 players were freshmen. Also, they see that our kids and staff conduct themselves with class, regardless of the outcome of the game.”

Hull had praise for Patton and the recognition he received.

“Paul strives to create a culture that allows players to be responsible for themselves as well as to their teammates,” said Hull. “This is not the easiest task when it comes to high school boys. He’s continually educating himself and his staff to get better via videos and coaching culture books. The game is ever-changing and evolving, and as a coach you need to do the same. Paul has a player-led philosophy which puts more emphasis on the player to understand his job and his role rather than just ‘go in the field and play.’ We are all proud of the job Coach Patton has done with this team.”