Top Five Boys Lacrosse Games of 2021
After missing out on the 2020 season, it felt like any game from this year could be included on this list, just because of how good it felt to be back on the field.
Alas, the list is limited to five games from the 2021 season that we covered. So while there were some tremendous regular-season and playoff games that took place this year, the ones that made the cut were the ones we saw firsthand.
No. 5: Timberlane 10, Oyster River-Newmarket 9
Throughout the first half, whenever Timberlane scored, Oyster River-Newmarket would respond, but in the third quarter, the Owls were able to get up by as many as three goals. But the Bobcats hung around, tying the game early in the fourth quarter, and taking their only lead of the game with under five minutes to play. After Timberlane tied the game, Ethan Gerry scored the game-winner with 1:19 remaining.
No. 4: Windham 8, Timberlane 7
Windham looked like it was in complete control going into halftime with a 7-2 lead over Timberlane. But a big third quarter by the Owls cut the deficit to two goals, and early in the fourth, Timberlane got within one goal. The Jaguars wouldn't let the Owls get any closer, as they were able to dominate possession after that and held on for the win.
No. 3: Portsmouth 5, Derryfield 4
The game these two teams played in the D2 semifinals had more on the line, but this one had a little bit of history behind it. For the first time, Portsmouth picked up a win over Derryfield, scoring the only goal of the second half after the teams were tied at the break. It was also the first loss for the Cougars against a D2 opponent since 2015.
No. 2: D3 Playoffs, Trinity 8, Campbell 7
Despite having few opportunities, Campbell was able to make the most of them early and held a lead through three quarters in a Division III first-round game against Trinity. But the Pioneers were able to control possession to start the fourth quarter, keeping the ball on offense for more than six minutes to take the lead. The Cougars had a chance to tie the game at the end, but Trinity's defense held.
No. 1: D1 Championship, Bishop Guertin 9, Exeter 7
After rolling through the regular season, including two convincing wins over Exeter, Bishop Guertin was a big favorite heading into this year's Division I championship game. Instead, it was the Blue Hawks who came storming out of the gate, taking a 4-0 lead in the first quarter. The Cardinals answered with a 5-0 second quarter, but the game was tied at 6 going into the fourth. Two quick goals to start the quarter gave Bishop Guertin the momentum it needed to win its first title since 2017.
