On the day that trail riders found their way to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, St. John's Boys' Lacrosse hit the ground running on the grass of Scotty Caven Field for the home opener.
Los Vaqueros, Salt Grass, Texas Cattelmen's, and Old Spanish Trail were just some of the long standing rides that clipped into H-Town for the 2012 HLS&R. A tradition for over 25 years, St. John's Lacrosse kicks off their season around the rodeo.
Led by Captains Douglas Berkman '12, Jack Craddock '12, Chris Gow '12 and Nate Whittle '12, the 2012 Maverick Lacrosse team set up camp on Scotty Caven Field to face their second THSLL opponent in 4 days. Wandering in from west of town, the Cinco Ranch Cougars were not to be taken lightly and when the first whistle sounded, St. John's scrambled and swarmed the Cougars for a quick 4-0 lead behind goals from David Edwards '13 (Carl Bernicker '14), Paul Loya '13, and Berkman.
Cinco Ranch got their lone goal on the night at the end of the period, but the Mavericks rolled to a 6-1 half time lead from 2 more scores by Edwards (Berkman) and Loya.
Gow broke a scoreless streak in the second half to help the Mavericks run away for their second consecutive win. Loya, Berkman (Edwards), and Bernicker finished the scoring for St. John's. Thomas Dawson '14 led the team with 5 gb's, while Bernicker won 6 face offs. Behind a stout defensive effort from Craddock, Ben Griffin '13, Dawson, Logan Smith '13, and Jake Horowitz '13, Whittle kept the gate closed for most of the game registering 4 saves.
St. John's continues to forge their 2012 brand of Maverick lacrosse. The good guys in white hats host St. Mary's Hall today (Saturday, February 25th) on Skip Lee Field at 1 pm.