The Knights finished the season with a 10-9 overall record and 3-2 region record, an improvement compared to the 5-13 record last season where the team fell short to Green Briar in the first round. While the playoff run wasn’t as far as the team hoped, head coach Andrew Sanders said he is proud with how far this team has come.

“We are so proud to have advanced in the playoffs this year, it’s an important milestone for our Midtown boys lacrosse program,” Sanders said. “Our regular season schedule was challenging this year, we faced five top-20 teams in the state and that helped build toughness, ending the regular season with a seven-game win streak, we were able to carry that momentum into a resounding first-round playoff win before falling to a very good Lovett team.” 

Over the years, lacrosse has gained a lot more popularity with the addition of a junior varsity team in 2021. Senior co-captain Padraig Mahoney, who is committed to the Georgia Tech club lacrosse team, said there’s more talent, and depth has allowed the team to build up. 

“It’s amazing to see the team succeed like this,” Mahoney said. “We’ve been working for this moment for a long time, and to be able to perform in the playoffs feels great. It’s good to have guys that I have been playing with for four years or more that I know I can trust to handle the ball when games get close.”

That sense of chemistry and trust has carried through the lineup, especially among the younger players who are beginning to find their footing. Sophomore Royce Harlson, who plays for both JV and varsity games said the sense of community has helped improve and learn fast. 

“Even as a younger player, I never felt out of place,” Harlson said. “The older guys made sure we were involved and learning every step of the way. It really helped me grow my confidence on the field.”

The Knights’ playoff victory over Northview is an achievement for the program. Mahoney credits this to the strength and depth of the team over the past couple of years. 

“The team’s depth contributes to our success as there are many times in games when guys will get hurt or tired,” Mahoney said. “In the past we had starters who couldn’t catch and throw. Now we have guys off the bench who can actually run plays and handle the ball.” 

Harlson said being able to be part of the team and see all the hard work put in by the upperclassmen was something he won’t forget when he gets to play in their spots next year. 

“Seeing how hard the seniors worked and how much it meant to them really showed me what Midtown lacrosse is all about,” Harlson said. “They were great role models and I want to work hard to fill their shoes next year.”

Harlson is one of several underclassmen who gained valuable experience this season, which Sanders said will be critical as the team looks to build on this year’s momentum. Sanders and the players say that there’s still more work to be done in future seasons.

“In many ways this program has matured with our 12 seniors graduating this spring and we will miss their skill and leadership moving forward,” Sanders said. “We are fortunate to have a strong junior class returning led by Lucas Rapping and Nathan Brawner. Our JV team had a successful season, with many athletes poised to contribute for varsity next year.”

Out of the 25 person roster, the team is losing 12 seniors this year. While this is a large number, junior co-captain Lucas Rapping is optimistic that the team will come back even stronger. 

“As the only junior captain I was able to be a part of this year’s leaders, and become close with my role models, next year as a senior it’s mine and my teammates turn to lead the team just as well,” Rapping said. “A lot of us juniors have been playing together for a couple years now, and our relationships will help support the team.”

Sanders just finished his fifth year with Midtown, and said the growing love surrounding lacrosse in the Midtown cluster shows how this is only the beginning for the team. 

“We also had over 30 players participate with our middle school team this spring, so I believe Midtown Lacrosse has a bright future ahead,” Sanders said. “We also had a large JV roster this year with many players now fit for varsity play.” 

Mahoney came onto the team as a freshman in Sanders’ second year and has been mentored and coached by him all of his high school years. He says that the stability of the coaching staff, and the support Sanders specifically provides from the team is part of why the lacrosse team is so strong.  

“We’ve all learned so much from Coach Sanders,” Mahoney said. “He’s taught us how to approach the game with a clear mindset, and he’s always pushing us to get better. His focus on development has really helped us.”

While this season was one of many highlights and new experiences, Rapping says the team is already looking forward and ready to be even better next season. 

“I think the team has improved so much since my freshman season, and I am so excited to see what we bring next year to up our game even more,” Rapping said.