Casa Grande repeats win over Petaluma in boys Battle for the Paddle

Casa Grande scores game’s first four goals and goes on the claim second lacrosse win over Petaluma.|

In what was almost a twin of the first meeting of rival lacrosse teams, Casa Grande and Petaluma, Casa’s Gauchos claimed the victory and the paddle with a 19-10 win on their home field Tuesday night.

The first time around the North Bay League, Casa defeated its cross-town rival, 18-10.

Tuesday’s game not only gave the Gauchos’ bragging rights in the annual “Battle for the Paddle” game, but also strengthened their hold on first place, improving their league record to 7-0. Overall, the Gauchos are 14-3. Petaluma, with the loss, drops to 5-2 in league, with both losses coming to Casa, and 10-5 overall.

The game was played much like the first encounter, with Casa controlling both the ball and the tempo with exceptional goalie play from Hank Wickley and swift ball movement on offense leading to goals from six different attackers.

There was one huge difference. This time, it was Casa Grande that jumped out to the quick lead. In the first game, it was Petaluma that scored the game’s first three goals, with Casa Grande quickly rallying to take charge. This time, the Gauchos scored the first four goals and never looked back.

Peter Lantier continued to torment his Petaluma rivals, leading the Gauchos with five goals and five assists.

A pair of freshmen shined for Casa, with Josh Garcia scoring two goals and providing five assists while Ian McKissick provided a goal and three assists.

Brandon Keefer also had a strong game for the Gauchos, scoring four goals as did A.J. Cole and Tommy Buickerood had three goals.

The Trojans, as they were in the first meeting, were game to the end, frantically battling as Casa, with its big lead, played a deliberate game throughout the final period.

Brandon Ruzick led the Trojans with four goals. Zak Zemel added three, Isiah Blomgren two and Ellis Scherer one.

Both coaches had praise for the opposition.

“Petaluma showed a lot of heart,” said Casa Grande coach Ben Hewitt. “I have so much respect for their players and their coach.”

“It was more about them as a team clicking together and playing well,” said Petaluma coach Kevin Louchis.

Louchis noted that it has been difficult for the Trojans to gain continuity because of injuries to key players.

“Our progress has been up and down because of the injuries,” he said. “It has been a tough year, but on the bright side, some of our sophomores had opportunities that will help us in the future.”

A key for the Gauchos, as noted by both coaches, was the ability of Casa’s Phillippe Devarenne to win almost every faceoff. It was no accident, Hewitt said.

“He played exceptionally well,” the coach said. “He works on the faceoff every day on his own. He is an example of the American Industrial Age work ethic.”

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