The goal at the start of every season for the Garden City boys lacrosse team is to win the Nassau County Class B title.
That didn’t change Tuesday, but it was magnified by the opponent.
The Trojans were facing rival Manhasset in the 124th Wood Stick Classic, the same team that won by a pair of goals during the regular season.
Led by Justin Guterding, Garden City avenged the regular season loss, beating the Indians, 10-4, to win an eighth straight Nassau ‘B’ title at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.
“I definitely wanted to have a big day and lead the team to victory,” Guterding said. “I was lucky enough to be able to do that. We wanted that trophy back more than anything. We got it and I’m real proud of my guys.”
Garden City (16-3), the defending state champions, will take on either Huntington or Miller Place in the Long Island championship Saturday at 2 p.m. at Hofstra.
“Our two goals throughout the year were to win the conference and win the county,” sophomore James Sullivan said. “So it’s two goals down and hopefully a couple more to go.”
Guterding and Sullivan received some personal redemption from a 9-7 loss at Ed Walsh Field in late April. Guterding was held to two goals and an assist, while Sullivan lost the opening face-off. Georgetown-bound Sean Grimm scored 50 seconds later and Manhasset (15-4) seized momentum.
“They out-groundballed us, they outhustled us, they beat us pretty cleanly last time,” Garden City coach Steve Finnell said. “We challenged our guys to step up over the last month.”
The Trojans did just that with Sullivan winning the opening face-off. He went 11-for-14 from the X.
“I don’t know if there are too many people who are better than James Sullivan at the X,” Finnell said. “He dictates the tempo for us.”
Guterding did just about everything else. He had a game-high four goals and two assists, further proving he is one of the top lacrosse players on the Island.
“He’s absolutely incredible,” said Sullivan, who had 10 groundballs. “He’s a leader on this team and controls the offense.”
Cody George had three goals and an assist and Jack Metzler had a goal and two assists for Garden City, which had a 38-22 edge in groundballs.
“I thought our wing play was better this time, we were patient on offense and Justin was able to capitalize,” Finnell said. “We’re sharing the ball very well right now.”
Guterding fed Dale Stasco for the game’s first goal with 5:45 left in the first quarter. Just 45 seconds later, Metzler set up Guterding, who also scored the next three goals as the Trojans raced out to a 6-0 lead with 4:53 left in the first half after George scored his first.
“I think they definitely outplayed us that [first] time,” Guterding said. “We came out strong today, jumped on them early and I think we sucked the life out of them.”
Garden City extended its lead to 9-1 on second-half goals by Metzler, George and Kyle Brattan. Meanwhile, the Trojans defense, anchored by Ed Blatz, Scott D’Antonio, Tom Wright, Kyle Skramko, Tim McDonagh, Brian Badgett and goalie Danny Dolan (five saves) stymied a versatile Manhasset attack.
“Our goal every year is to win the country championship,” Finnell said. “We always make this a huge priority. I’m as excited as the first one several years ago. It’s a new group and the kids are excited to be part of it.”
