NW Guilford tops East Chapel Hill for men's lacrosse title

Click to view image

Goldsmith, who has been one of Northwest's leaders all year, was named the championship Most Valuable Player. His scoring barrage gave him 64 goals for the season.

Northwest Guilford got off to a blistering start, spurting to a 7-0 lead after one quarter while also stifling the high-powered East Chapel Hill offense. The Wildcats had not scored fewer than 12 goals in any playoff game this year and had scored 18 or more goals in eight of their previous 20 games.

The Vikings had a 10-3 lead at the half and kept the Wildcats at bay.

Northwest finished with a 20-2 record and won its last 10 in a row, while East Chapel Hill wound up at 18-3.

The Vikings had dedicated the season to the late Chase Bunting, an outstanding defenseman and teammate who died in an accident in the fall. Northwest had dubbed its quest for the title the "Chase for the Championship," and it made for an emotional state final.

In last year's inaugural NCHSAA championship, Charlotte Myers Park defeated Apex 15-11 in the men's title game. The lacrosse state championships are currently conducted as an "open" tournament, with all classifications competing for a single crown.

NCHSAA STATE MEN'S LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP

WAKEMED SOCCER PARK, CARY

East Chapel Hill 0 3 2 4-- 9

Northwest Guilford 7 3 2 0--13