Kerry McCormick defending The stage was set for the 114th meeting between the Manhasset Indians and the Garden City Trojan lacrosse teams. The oldest continuous lacrosse rivalry in the country began in 1935. Manhasset leads the series 64-50 but GC has won 10 of the last 12 contests. The two oldest lacrosse teams on long island faced off to 2200 fans under the lights in Manhasset. This was to be Manhasset’s year. The defending number one team in the country owned the top spot again. Then the whistle blew and GC went on a tear. Brad Horn set the tone with a point blank stuff in the first minute. Horn threw a dart and the GC fast break went into action. Confidence built and The Trojans went up on top 3-1 midway through the first period. Dave Nugent provided some punishing hits and the Palmeri, McCormick defense controlled the potent Indian attackmen. Manhasset appeared frustrated at times as GC swarmed ground balls. Only Manhasset’s control of the face off kept them in the contest as the first half ended 6-3 with the Trojans on top. This was soon to change. Seconds into the half McMillan won the draw and GC finished for a 7-3 lead. McMillan won the next face off and remained dominate for the rest of the game. GC silenced the Manhasset crowd two minutes into the half, going up 8-3. GC was on fire. Manhasset regrouped and demonstrated why they were the number one team in the country. The Indians gunned their way back within two goals by the end of the third quarter. The Trojans had some great chances only to be thwarted by excellent blue and orange goaltending. Halfway into the fourth quarter Manhasset tied the game with it’s 5th unanswered goal. The standing room only crowd witnessed both teams deliver some crushing hits. Both goalies rejected anything the opposition hurled at them as the game ended tied 8-8. This was to be one of the great Woodstick Classics of all times. Sudden death overtime started with Manhasset gaining possession. Brad Horn turned back two point blank shots totaling 15 saves for the contest. Two Manhasset penalties put GC in a two man up position. Executing the man up flawlessly, Terry Kennedy caught the Indian defense out of rotation and fired the game-winning goal. All who attended witnessed a lacrosse classic. Congratulations to the players, coaches and supporting parents for a tremendous victory.

Rob Engelke feeding from behind the net

GC gets fired up after early scoreBradley Horn clearing the ballGC celebrates the Woodstick ClassicDean Gibbons beats the Indian defenseTim Hay behind the netJoe Howard looking to feedBrian Mullooly on the clearGreg Daly attacks for his second goalAndrew McMillan controls the face off