VIDEO CLIPS: Grafton tops Nipmuc for Fourth Consecutive Sectional Title

Videos by Matt Siegel (@SportVideoMA)

Marlborough, Mass. - The Grafton Indians held on for an 8-6 victory over Mid-Mass rival Nipmuc Thursday night, winning their fourth consecutive Division 3 Central/West title in the process.

Our Matt Siegel was there to capture a few video clips of the big win. Continue below for all the highlights.

2018 Central Mass Lax Previews: The Grafton Indians

By Andrew Bowman (@andrew_bowman5)

Our previews of some of the best lacrosse teams in Central Mass continues today with the reigning Division 3 Central/West champion Grafton Indians. New contributor Andrew Bowman, a Grafton native who currently attends St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, takes a look at this program which become one of the state's best in recent years.

Grafton Indians

Head Coach:​ Alan Rotatori
Player Captains: ​Matt Nicalek (G), Jimmy Donadio (M), Steve Rotatori (A)
Last Year’s Finish: ​Division 3 State Runner-Up
First 3 Games: ​Ipswich (4/2), @Nipmuc (4/5), @Northbridge (4/10)

Last year, Grafton’s season ended in heartbreak. The Indians lost in the state championship for the 3rd straight year, this time to Ipswich by a single goal. This disappointment came after defeating Dover-Sherborn in the state semifinals, a team that had defeated the Indians in the previous two state finals.

Now, despite another year of losing star players to graduation, Grafton is looking to get right back to where it has been the past three years.

RADIO: Grafton Lacrosse & Chris Kyne from the T&G

Brothers Tom (3) and Matt Nicalek helped anchor another outstanding Grafton defense.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

On this week's episode of "The Local Sports Lunchbox" on WPKZ, Grafton lacrosse stars Tom Nicalek, Brendan Coates and Matt Nicalek call in to discuss the Indians' three consecutive runs to the state championship game.

Then, Chris Kyne from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette phones in to tie a bow on the 2016-17 academic and athletic campaign, discussing the top players, teams and games from a remarkable year in CMass sports.

AListen in for all that, and more, below.

A Super 8 for Every Sport? Girls' Lax & Closing the Book on Spring Sports

Cohasset's Elle Hansen leads a fast break against Walpole in Saturday's Division 2 state championship game.   Photo by Brendan Hall.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

With Saturday's MIAA state championship marathon, spring sports, and the 2016-2017 HS sports year, came to a close. It was an interesting spring, to be sure, and here are a few wandering thoughts I've had as we close the book on this season.

The Super 8-ification of MIAA Sports

The Super 8 is great. I know this, you know this, we all know this. It's worked tremendously well for hockey, and the last few years have proven that it works very well for baseball as well.

As far as crowning a "true state champion," there are few better ways to do it. It seems inevitable that we will soon hear rumblings about a Super 8 for darn near every sport, and in most cases, I wouldn't object.

MIAA Top 25 Boys Lacrosse Poll: The End of 2017

Lincoln-Sudbury remained the king of MIAA Lacrosse with an 8-7 state finals win over BC High

Our rankings of the best teams in the state at the end of the 2017 lacrosse season, as selected by our panel of staff writers and correspondents. (Updated 6/19)

1. Lincoln-Sudbury (19-1; Last Ranking - 1): The Warriors' third consecutive state championship was the sweetest of them all, as their overlooked senior class went out on top.

2. Hingham (23-3; Last Ranking - 3): Harbormen capped a dominant regular season with a 16-7 thrashing of Longmeadow in D2 State Final. Those wishing to see Hingham vs. L-S could get their wish when the Harbormen re-classify to D1 next season.

3. BC High (19-4; Last Ranking - 6): Eagles won 13 straight to earn rematch with L-S in D1 State Final, but came up just short in an 8-7 thriller.  

PHOTO GALLERY: Ipswich vs Grafton in the Boys' D3 State Lax Final

Photos by Brian Foley

You can read our full story from Ipswich's thrilling D3 state final win against Grafton here. But now, enjoy these photos captured by our Brian Foley. For even more images by Brian, and to buy prints of some of these fantastic images, click here.

Also note that you can click any image to enlarge and launch a slideshow.

Ipswich Boys' Lax Edges Grafton in Thrilling D3 State Final

By Mike Abelson (@ABELS0N)

BOSTON - In the 14 years since the MIAA created Division 3 for boys lacrosse every final has featured either Dover-Sherborn or Cohasset except for the first final in 2003.

That was won by Ipswich by a goal. 

On Saturday evening,  the Tigers once again found a way to win as they battled back from one goal down midway through the fourth to defeat Grafton 8-7 and win the Division 3 crown at Nickerson Field.

RADIO: St. John's Wins the Super 8, Grafton Lax Headed Back to BU

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

On this week's episode of "The Local Sports Lunchbox" on WPKZ, a pair of SuiteSports reporters called in to discuss the biggest Central Mass high school games of the week.

First, our Connor Evans phones in to break down Grafton's thrilling triple-overtime win over Dover-Sherborn, and look ahead to the Indians' Division 3 state final against Ipswich. What to expect from that game, including Connor's "X-factor" player for Saturday.

Then, former Monty Tech lacrosse coach Jonathan Shea joined us to talk about building a lacrosse program at a Voke school, with all the unique challenges presented there. Which players helped him guide Monty Tech to back-to-back state tournament appearances, and the program's first playoff win this season. Plus, coach Shea offers his thoughts on the state of Central Mass lacrosse in general.

Finally, our Tom Joyce joins me to re-live St. John's (Shrewsbury)'s historic Super 8 baseball win against St. John's Prep. How did the Pioneers live up to their lofty pre-season expectations, and what was the mood after St. John's finally won the big one?

You can hear all that, and much more, on this week's show below.

Postgame Blog & Video: Grafton Earns Redemption in 3OT Semifinal Win Against Dover-Sherborn

Grafton's Brendan Coates throws home the game-winner in triple-overtime. Photo by Ryan Bowman

By Connor Evans (@RonnocEvans)

CONCORD - I would like to open this article with a disclaimer: I am still relatively new to reporting on high school sports. While I have the utmost respect for both of these teams, it IS worth noting that I did play for Grafton High School for four years. Some players from this game were my teammates.

I just want it to be clear that if I come across as biased tonight, it is in NO way intended to disrespect the achievements of a great Dover-Sherborn team. It is simply that Grafton Lacrosse raised me and I do hold a lot of love for them. That being said, let’s get to it.

In my short 20 years of life I have never witnessed a more enthralling, captivating, riveting, phenomenal sporting event than what I witnessed tonight. The D3 Central/West champion Grafton Indians ventured to Concord-Carlisle to face off against the two-time defending D3 state champions Dover-Sherborn Raiders.

It was a game that neither team would lead by more than one goal, and a game that featured four lead changes and three overtimes. A game where both teams played outstanding lacrosse in all facets. Goalies stood on their heads. Poles forced turnovers. Middies and attackmen found the cage. 60 full minutes of two absolute powerhouses exchanging blow for blow.

At the end of the third overtime, the underdog Indians would finally get the better of the Raiders, who had pummeled them the last two years in the state championship game. On the back of a golden goal from Brendan Coates, Grafton is headed back to BU for a third straight year, but no longer has to worry about the powerhouse Raiders.

Final: 7-6

PHOTO GALLERY: Grafton Lax vs Dover-Sherborn in D3 State Semis

Photos by Ryan Bowman (@_ryanbowman_)

CONCORD - Full story to follow, but first check out these pictures from our Ryan Bowman of Grafton's breakthrough win against defending two-time D3 state champion Dover-Sherborn.

Note that you can click any image to enlarge and launch a slideshow.

Grafton Wins Third Straight Boys Lax Sectional Title

By Connor Evans (@RonnocEvans)

DUDLEY, Mass - The Nipmuc Warriors faced off against the Grafton Indians in the Division 3 Central/West final at Shepherd Hill Regional High on a fine evening in June. Nipmuc had a lot to prove and started out hot. At the end of the day however, Grafton was able to overpower the Warriors and hand them a 14-5 defeat.

Grafton Scores Senior Night Win Against Wachusett

By Connor Evans (@RonnocEvans)

GRAFTON - In a game with tournament (seeding) implications, both the Grafton Indians and Wachusett Mountaineers came in with something to play for. The game ended a little lopsided on the scoreboard, as the Indians turned a 7-4 halftime lead into a 16-9 victory.

With the win tonight, coupled with a Mt. Greylock loss out West to Pope Francis, Grafton all but locks up the top seed in the D3 Central/West Bracket.

Here are some takeaways from the Indians' big win.

PHOTO GALLERY: Grafton Lacrosse vs Wachusett

Photos by Ryan Bowman (@_ryanbowman_)

GRAFTON - The Grafton Indians cruised on senior night against the Wachusett Mountaineers, winning 16-9 behind five Brendan Coates goals.

We'll have a full recap up later tonight, but for now enjoy these photos snapped by our Ryan Bowman.

Postgame Blog: Hot Start, Solid Finish Carry Grafton Past Nipmuc

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Grafton opened Tuesday's game at league rival Nipmuc like a team looking for redemption.

After a double-overtime loss to the Warriors earlier this season, Grafton came out with great energy, building a 7-0 lead over the first quarter-plus, en route to a 13-8 victory that handed Nipmuc its first loss of the season.

Grafton (12-2, 8-1 Mid-Mass.) also outscored Nipmuc (9-1, 5-1 Mid-Mass.) 3-1 in the fourth quarter, to stave off a would-be comeback by the Warriors, who went on a 10-3 run in the middle of the game. Each team showed toughness, both mental and physical, in a rough and tumble game where hits were many and flags were, perhaps, too few. But, in the end, it was Grafton who started faster and ended stronger.

"I honestly thought we played almost flawless in the first half," Grafton coach Alan Rotatori said. "To be honest, they didn't come out very strong. They were a little bit flat… But we knew that wasn't going to hold up for the whole game."

"We gave them the first quarter, dug ourselves into a six-goal hole, and (Grafton) is a tough team to dig out of that against," Nipmuc coach Eric Brockett said. "I thought we did a nice job after that. We were back in it going into the fourth quarter, but then we just fell apart in the fourth. We were clawing our way back, but it was too little, too late."

Here are a few other takeaways-

PHOTO GALLERY: Grafton Lacrosse vs Nipmuc

Photos by Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

In a battle atop Mid-Mass., and in positioning for the Division 3 Central/West tournament, Grafton defeated Nipmuc 13-8, avenging an early-season loss to the Warriors. We'll have a full postgame blog up later tonight, but for now, check out the images of the Indians and the Warriors.

Also note that you can click any image to enlarge, and launch a slideshow.

MIAA Top 25 Boys Lacrosse Poll: 5/9/17

Walpole may no longer be undefeated, but don't sleep on the Rebels in Division 2 Central/East.

Our rankings of the best teams in the state during the 2017 lacrosse season, as selected by our panel of staff writers and correspondents. (Updated 5/9)

1. Lincoln-Sudbury (9-1; Last Ranking - 1): While they dropped an out-of-state contest to Summit (N.J.) for a second consecutive year, the Warriors reasserted their dominance in Mass. with a 15-3 drubbing of Longmeadow.

2. Duxbury (9-2; Last Ranking - 10): Quite a week for the Dragons, as they took down Seton Hall Prep (N.J.) and earned huge wins over Patriot League rival Hingham and Division 2 power Medfield.

3. Hingham (11-3; Last Ranking - 3): Harbormen wound up on the wrong side of a thriller against Duxbury, but bounced back with a huge 13-12 win at Glastonbury (C.T.) in overtime.

Postgame Blog: Grafton Too Much for Up-and-coming Hopedale

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

GRAFTON - Hopedale came into Thursday's clash with Mid-Mass. power Grafton undefeated, but the host Indians proved too much for the young program, running away with a 13-5 victory.

Led by four goals by junior Steve Rotatori, Grafton built an early 7-0 advantage, and never looked back. Grafton (9-2, 5-1 Mid-Mass.), was simply too much, controlling possession, and creating shots at will early on, whether it was through the pinpoint passing of guys like Anthony D'Angelo, or the dodging of players like Jimmy Donadio and Brendan Coates.

Basically, Grafton was playing loose and still riding high off of Tuesday's come-from-behind win over regional favorite St. John's.

PHOTO GALLERY: Grafton vs Hopedale Lacrosse

Photos by Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Grafton handed upstart Hopedale its first loss of the season Tuesday, topping the Blue Raiders by a final score of 13-5 at Grafton High School in a critical Mid-Mass. clash.

I'll have a postgame blog up later tonight, but for now, enjoy the sights of the game. Note that you can click any image to enlarge, and launch a slideshow.

PHOTO GALLERY: Grafton vs Tantasqua Lacrosse

Tantasqua junior middie Tom Muir looks for space against Grafton's talented and experienced defense.

Photos by John Pedace

Ed. Note- SuiteSports is thrilled an honored to welcome a very special new contributor, former Tantasqua lacrosse coach John Pedace. For those who don't know, the beloved coach is battling yet another round of cancer, but still managed to watch his guys take on the Grafton Indians yesterday.

Tantasqua came up short in their upset bid, falling to Grafton 17-6, but the Warriors have a ton of firepower, and will no doubt be in the thick of things until the end of the season.

Continue below for a few more shots from yesterday's action, and click any image to enlarge and open a slideshow.

RADIO: The Local Sports Lunchbox with Worcester & Grafton Lacrosse

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

On this week's edition of the Local Sports Lunchbox, we welcomed players from two of the best teams in the Mid-Mass. lacrosse league. First, seniors C.J. Gallagher, Richie Burke and Griffin Moore called in from Worcester to let us know what to expect from WooLax. Then, Grafton seniors Tom Nicalek, Jack Fontana and Brendan Coates called in to discuss the Indians' quest for a third consecutive district title.

Plus, we run through the biggest games from last week, and preview some huge upcoming games that hopefully won't be rained out.

Continue below for all that, and more, on this week's episode on WPKZ.