×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

John Marshall Lacrosse on to State Title Game

Monarchs are one win away from championship

Photo by Cody Tomer Wyatt Hill and the John Marshall lacrosse team will face Fairmont Senior for a state championship.

GLEN DALE–In the halls of John Marshall High School, there is a trophy case with a vacant space.

The Monarchs’ lacrosse program is hoping to fill that void Saturday as it battles Fairmont Senior for a state championship at 4:30 p.m. in Morgantown.

The lacrosse program at John Marshall has never won a state title but the current surge of this year’s squad has Coach Tommy Salkovick and his team on the verge of history.

“It would mean a lot to bring a state championship back to John Marshall,” Salkovick said. “I have been with the program since it started and it would be very special to put a trophy in the trophy case.”

The Monarchs are currently riding a nine-game winning streak with a record of 11-3. They have outscored opponents by a 158-64 margin but the 2018 campaign had a rocky start.

A 2-3 beginning to the year included a three-game losing streak, but an overnight road trip proved to be the turning point of the season.

“There was an overnight trip that we went on and it was a good bonding experience for the kids,” Salkovick said. “We went on to beat St. Albans and the No. 1 team in Division II in Putnam County.

“That is when I really think we turned the corner and grew up as a team. The light switch just flipped on and we have been playing good lacrosse ever since.”

John Marshall cruised to its second consecutive Division II title to secure homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.

In the postseason, the Monarchs have upended Bridgeport by an 18-2 blowout and Preston by a 19-7 decision.

Next up is Fairmont Senior, who is no stranger to Salkovick and the Monarchs.

The Polar Bears made the trip to Glen Dale on Senior Night and the Monarchs celebrated with a 17-4 victory but with a state title on the line, it won’t be that easy this time around.

“They are better than the last time we played them,” Salkovick said. “They can move the ball very well and they can shoot the ball.

“They are big and physical and some of them were on the basketball team who went to the state tournament so they have that championship experience. It won’t be easy by any means.

“We just have to make sure we are on our game for four quarters and as long as we play our game, we will be okay.”

Sophomores Justin McGlumphy and Austin Moore have provided excellent goalkeeping for the state bound netters.

“Austin has held on to that spot,” Salkovick said. “We will keep riding the hot hand but Justin is pushing him in practice so we are in a great position to have two varsity level goalkeepers who can step in at any time and do a great job.

“I am proud of both of them. They complement each other very well but it is a tough decision because everyone wants to play.”

Also complementing McGlumphy and Moore between the pipes has been a stellar defensive performance.

The Monarchs defenders have held the opposition to an average of just more than four points per game.

“Our defense is really coming along,” Salkovick said. “The points we allow per game is just phenomenal.

“It is a tribute to an incredible effort, heart and desire.”

On the offensive side of the ball, John Marshall is pouring in more than 11 points per game.

Leading the charge is the duo of Sean Fitzpatrick and Devin Norris.

“Fitzpatrick is our attack guy,” Salkovick said. “He works the crease well and is No. 2 in the state in goals scored. He does a nice job for us.

“At the top we have Norris. His first two steps are as good as they get. He is very athletic. He puts the defense in a position to make a decision of which one to cover. It can make it very tough for them.”

Other Monarchs to watch on the attack include a trio of sophomores in Harry Galloway, Walker Thomas and Wyatt Hill.

“Galloway is a quality player on the attack and Thomas didn’t even start for us at the beginning of the season,” Salkovick said. “Once he got in though, he didn’t give his spot up at the attack position. He is seeing the ball really well right now.

“Wyatt Hill has a cannon of a shot and they make it hard to double team one player. There is just too much talent all over the place.

“It’s not a one man show. It is a total team effort and I am blessed to have these kids. It is a coach’s dream.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today