Flathead Lacrosse U15 wins state title

The Flathead Lacrosse U15 team rallied to defeat a feisty Helena club 10-6 to win the state championship last weekend in Billings.

The Helena Huskies came into the tourney as underdogs but knocked off top-rated Missoula to reach the title game against Flathead.

Having faced Helena earlier in the season, Flathead coach Tom Roehl knew the championship match would be a physical battle.

“They’re a good and tough team,” he said.

The Huskies wasted little time in flexing its strength, marching down the field on the first possession to score. Helena added another goal in the first quarter to take a 2-0 lead.

Roehl gathered this troops during a time out to regain their focus.

“I pulled the guys over and told them we’re faster and stronger and more determined,” Roehl said. “After that it was an all-out brawl for each team. It was back and forth, just a great lacrosse game.”

Flathead tied the game at 4-4 at the half, then went on to take control of the momentum.

“In the second half we couldn’t be stopped,” he said. “Helena has a great defense, but we just couldn’t be stopped.”

Flathead finished with three players tallying hat-tricks, including Lincoln Jones, Darin Rashleigh and Lazlo Urbach. Luke Kowalka also found the net for Flathead.

The coach commended team captain Dylan Leese for his play and leadership.

“He is a phenomenal kid,” Roehl said.

Flathead’s defense was the difference all season, Roehl added, and they stepped up in the championship.

“They were rock solid the entire year and kept us in a lot of games,” he said.

The Flathead Lacrosse U13 team placed second at the state tournament, falling just short in the title match against Bozeman White.

Flathead U13 opened the tourney with a 11-6 win over Helena. They lost to Bozeman White 6-7, then beat Billings 10-4 and Missoula 7-3 in round-robin play.

In the semifinals, Flathead edged Bozeman Black 7-5 to reach the championship.

Flathead took the early lead in the title game, but fatigue caught up to them and Bozeman White rallied to win 8-9.

“It was a hard-fought game,” said Flathead coach Zack Churchill.

He commended the play of goalie Carl Quigg-Roy.

“He stood on top of his head in all of our games,” Churchill said. “He was definitely our most valuable player.”

Luke Rolson was Flathead’s top scorer with seven goals. Lucas Coulter added five goals and six assists.

Brendan Cahill and Jack Spring led the defensive effort.

“Both played outstanding for us throughout the tournament,” Churchill said.

Churchill said the future is bright for Flathead Lacrosse.

“We have some talent coming up,” he said. “We’re in the sixth year of having lacrosse here in the Flathead. To be that young and at the top is great.”