WAKEFIELD — Reading and Winchester have set the standard in boys’ lacrosse in the Middlesex League for years.
Wakefield has had their share of league dominance over the last decade as well, and their 9-0 start to the 2025 season was certainly the best in recent memory.
The Warriors knew their perfect record would be tested by the Rockets and Red and Black in back-to-back games held on April 30 and May 2.
Wakefield fell to Winchester 16-7 at home and Reading 14-6 on the road, but the Warriors gained valuable experience against two of the top programs in the state as they work towards earning the best seed they can for the tournament. Wakefield is currently ranked No. 7 in Div. 3.
The Rockets, at 9-2 overall, are ranked No. 6 in Div. 2. Their only losses came in non-league games against Acton-Boxborough (No. 5 in D1) and Concord-Carlisle (No. 7 in D1).
Wakefield put up a good fight at Reading High on Friday but came up short, 14-6.
The Warriors hosted Winchester two day earlier on April 30 at Landrigan Field. Winchester, ranked No. 9 in Div. 1, has a record of 9-4, their losses also coming to non-league powers including Medfield, the top-ranked team in D3.
Wakefield played Winchester close in the first quarter with the visitors only taking a 2-1 lead after one. They extended their lead to 9-2 at the half after a dominant 2nd quarter. Wakefield continued to battle, turning a 13-4 deficit after three into a 16-7 final.
Wakefield’s first two goals were scored by Brady Walsh, both assisted by fellow junior Seamus Cable. Cable dodged from up top and found Walsh open in front of the net to tie it at 1-1 in the first. Later in the second, Cable escaped pressure from behind the Winchester goal and drew a crowd before somehow finding Walsh on the weak side for another catch-and-finish to make it 4-2.
The Red and Black went on to score the next six and take complete control.
Junior Brady Zdanowicz finished a well-executed dodge and long shot to make it 10-3 in the third.
Cable had the 4th after getting it at midfield, working his way past multiple defenders and scoring on an underhanded shot.
The first two fourth quarter goals were scored by sophomore John Scarpello on similar jump shots after attacks to the cage from off-angles. Senior Ryan Metsis had the 7th after clearing the zone himself and finishing strong.
Wakefield will have another solid Liberty Division opponent coming to town tonight when they host Lexington at 6 p.m.
The Minutemen are 6-7 and ranked No. 24 in Div. 1.