The ninth-seeded Juan Diego Catholic High School boys lacrosse team reached the 4A state title game against No. 2 Judge Memorial where they lost 15-4 May 23 at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman.

In the first round of the state tournament May 13, the Soaring Eagle squad defeated No. 24 Provo 15-1 before a 17-7 second-round win over No. 8 Canyon View May 15. In the quarterfinals May 17, Juan Diego beat top-ranked West Field 9-8 in overtime to advance to the semifinal round where they pulled out a 14-10 win over Snow Canyon May 21 to get to the final game.

“I thought our team came together as a group and everyone stepped up to overcome being a No. 9 seed and being beat up and injured with an already small roster,” said head coach Brad Tack. “It took every single player to go on the run we did, and I’m incredibly proud of their effort and toughness.”

During the regular season, Juan Diego defeated Mountain View 18-2, Skyline 11-5, Syracuse 14-7, Herriman 13-10, Green Canyon 17-13 and Jordan 18-2 while losing to Olympus 7-0, Bear River 7-6, Salem Hills 9-3, Highland 12-11, Resurrection Christian (Colorado) 9-1, Green Mountain (Colorado) 15-8, Hillcrest 20-6, Judge Memorial 10-7 and 12-6 and Waterford 12-11.

“We really focused in our clearing and riding and just playing under control and taking care of the ball down the stretch,” Tack said. “Everyone stepped up and played to our expectations staying mentally disciplined and focused on the goal of winning each game.”

Four-year starter William Conley, the captain of the Soaring Eagle defense, was credited by Tack for being “the heart and soul of the team.” The senior had 82 ground balls and 29 caused turnovers this season.

Junior Noah Schuyler and sophomore Parker Stolz were “a two-headed beast at attack on the offensive end,” according to Tack. “They are very difficult to deal with and continue to advance their lacrosse IQ and offensive skills,” Tack said. Schuyler had 35 goals and 30 assists this season while Stolz added 46 goals and nine assists.

Sophomore defender Kai Fairbanks, who had 43 ground balls and 18 caused turnovers, freshman goalie Brayden Andersen, who had 97 saves, and sophomore faceoff specialist, who had 59 ground balls, 

“They are all young guys that played a bunch of minutes and really stepped up for us down the stretch,” Tack said. “I expect them to make a lot of noise next year and do very well for us.”

Also on the JDCHS squad who went 11-9 this year were seniors Antonio Archuleta, Konrad Baker, Roman Rosano, Daniel Sosa and Zachary Szymakowski; juniors Zach Apgar, Brandon Backman, Chris Jimerson, Hunter Landers, Mario Maestas, Ethan Maxedon, Teag McMahon, Michael Moore, Trey Nicolodemos, Cuauhtemoc Pedroza, Colton Pugmire, Liam Ross, Miles Sears, Jack Stoback and Brian Walker; sophomores Logan Child, Kysen Dowland, Alexander Stahl and CJ Starks; and freshmen Mahdy Altalibi, Rowen Andersen, Westley Buck, Stephen Burr, Jameson Judd, Mack Kesler, Miles Maxedon and Boston Patience.

Tack was assisted on the coaching staff by Nathan Tack, Greg Stamatov, Ryan Baker and statisticians Jodi Fairbanks and Nicole Wigton.

“It was a great group of captains [Conley, Schuyler, Rosano and Sears] that led us through the ups and downs of a hard season including preseason early morning lifts, a Denver trip against tough opponents, a hard region schedule, and ultimately an incredible playoff run that I will never forget,” head coach Tack said. “I truly love this group and wouldn’t want to coach anyone else. JD Pride!” λ