MHS Boys Lacrosse to play in the Class B State Championship game – 7:30p 6/16/23
Messalonskee has boasted one of the strongest Class B boys’ lacrosse programs in the state for several years. But the playoffs have been an annual source of frustration.
That frustration may come to an end tonight.
The third-ranked Eagles (12-4) can finish the season with a Class B state championship with a victory over No. 1 York (12-4) at 7:30 at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland.
Messalonskee earned the opportunity to play for a state title for the first time by toppling longtime rival Brunswick 18-8 in the semifinals earlier this week.
That triumph avenged a loss to the Dragons in the semifinals a year ago – a defeat that gnawed on Messalonskee players long after the final whistle.
“It was a daily topic brought up,” junior midfielder Brady Brunelle said, “because they beat us last year and ended our season.”
Brunelle scored five goals in the semifinal win. Fellow junior Cooper LeClair led the team with six tallies.
Midfielder Mitchell Marquis said the Eagles went into the semifinal contest confident they would prevail.
“I actually couldn’t see us losing that game,” he said. “I was ready for it.”
Along with a powerful offense, Brunelle said Messalonskee benefits from great team chemistry. Most of the players, he said, have competed together since elementary school.
“Everybody [on the team] seems like family,” Brunelle said.
And the family is eager to have a final celebration.
“I can genuinely say that this team doesn’t seem satisfied,” Brunelle said, “and we are hungry and ready to go.”