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Boys Lacrosse: Red Devils knock off rival Lions
Hinsdale Central's Chase Arima looks to pass the ball, while defended by Lyons Township's Kevin Hackett. | Steve Johnston~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: June 29, 2012 8:28AM
Hinsdale Central senior Cole Potkul knew he was down to his final chance to experience something his older brothers Keith and Ryan never got to as lacrosse players.
Potkul played a key role in the Red Devils’ upsetting state-ranked Lyons Township 8-7 in overtime Saturday in Western Springs.
“My brothers never beat them, so I think they were jealous,” Potkul said. “Three years on varsity and this is the first time we’ve beaten them. I’m quite happy. Everybody was congratulating us after the win.”
Hinsdale Central (6-8 overall, 2-3 in the West Suburban Conference) lost the first meeting against its main rival 8-0 April 19 in Hinsdale.
Junior midfielder George Parks scored in overtime to give the Red Devils the victory in the rematch.
“That first game was definitely motivation for us,” Potkul said of the rare shutout in the high-scoring sport.
“We practiced a lot harder. We hate these guys and really wanted to beat them. There are always dirty and cheap hits and a lot of trash talking, so it’s always good to get a win over LT.”
Potkul is a two-year starting defender and captain.
He also plays football for the Red Devils.
“I’ve coached Cole the past four years and he’s always been a good, steady player,” Hinsdale Central coach Tom McBride said. “He’s a great athlete and a great kid to coach. He’s played the sport long enough and knows enough about being a defender that he suggests things to the coaches and we listen. I’ve enjoyed having him on the team.”
McBride also praised the efforts of sophomore goalie Devon Chenelle and junior midfielder Ryan Melloni in the win over the Lions.
LT (13-4) is currently ranked No. 6 by laxpower.com.
“It was a big win for us,” McBride said.
“The schools are separated by a couple miles and it’s always been a big rivalry for the teams. We played a little different defensively and ran a zone defense that I think they had issues with. We modified our offense a little and tweaked a few things. We had some individuals really step up and played with a lot more emotion this time, which was a big difference.
“It was the most exciting game I’ve coached in my career.”
