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Kinnelon started the 2009 boys' lacrosse season as something of an afterthought, and fell even further off the radar with early-season losses to Don Bosco Prep and Bergen Catholic. But after upsetting Mountain Lakes, the Colts began to believe in themselves, and were among the state's very best teams the rest of the season, culminating in a Group I state title. But Kinnelon couldn't carry the momentum into its first appearance in the Tournament of Champions.
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Fifth seed Bridgewater-Raritan, playing on its home field, knocked off the fourth-seeded Colts 12-7 in the ToC quarterfinals. The loss ends Kinnelon's season at 16-6.
It was hardly an ideal scenario for the Colts' first foray into the ToC. Coming off the emotional run to the Group I title, and the senior prom on Friday night, Kinnelon didn't seem to have its usual burst of energy. The fact that they had to play in front of a partisan Bridgewater-Raritan crowd even though the Colts were officially the "home" team certainly didn't help either. The Panthers jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead and led by 4-1 after one quarter.
The Colts made a run in the second period, cutting the lead to one on goals by Mike Crampton and Luis Gillen. After the Panthers scored to increase their margin, Steve Grembowiec scored on a spectacular behind-the-head shot to make it a 5-4 game.
But Bridgewater-Raritan wouldn't let the Colts go any further. The Panthers controlled possession for much of this game, aided by the tremendous face-off work of Jordan Rothman. Alex Eaton scored three times in the final minutes of the first half, including a goal with eight seconds left to make it 8-4 at the intermission.
Kinnelon could never put together any kind of a streak after the break, as the Panthers continued to dominate possession and scored goals when they needed. Eaton finished with six tallies on the evening, while Sam Nepveux added three goals.
"They're a really good team, we just didn't come out strong enough." said junior midfielder Parker Waldron. Gillen added, "We shouldn't have been satisfied with a state (Group I) championship. I think we should have beaten this team."
While Bridgewater-Raritan goes on to face top seed Delbarton in Wednesday's semifinal, the Colts can look forward to what should be a strong lacrosse team again next season. Basically the entire attack and midfield will return, along with their starting goalie. Kinnelon will be hit hard on defense, however, and will have to fill those holes if they hope for a repeat of this season's magic. -- Paul Mencher for Jersey Sports Now
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