2017 HockomockSports Boys Lacrosse Awards

Franklin junior attacker Eric Civetti has been selected as the 2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year. Civetti paced the Panthers’ powerful offense and helped Franklin clinch its fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title, going a perfect 11-0 in league play.

“Eric is one of the most gifted offensive players that the Hockomock has seen in recent history,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Even with opposing defenses putting plenty of attention on him, he still found a way to score.”

For the second straight year, Civetti led the Hockomock League in scoring. He scored a league-best 79 goals – more than 20 more than the next player on the list – and added 21 assists for a league-high 100 points in 2017. He also scored four goals in Franklin’s opening playoff game against Xaverian.

“Eric is the most prolific goal scorer Franklin and the Hock has ever seen, evidenced by his numbers this season, even while missing three games,” said Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi.

Civetti, who was a First Team All-American selection, has already recorded an impressive 280 points in three years at Franklin with one year to go. He was also voted a Hockomock League All-Star by the coaches.

“Civetti is a total stud,” said Canton head coach Bill Bendell. “Everyone knows who he is and what he can do but it’s still nearly impossible to slow him down because he’s so smart and talented. He scores even when you play great defense because he doesn’t need much space to operate and he has unbelievable stick skills…always protects his stick and utilizes behind the backs with ease and precision.”

This is the fourth straight year that a Franklin player has been chosen as Player of the Year, following Austin Kent (2016) and Jack Vail, who won the award in 2014 and 2015. Pat Ward of Canton was the inaugural winner in 2013.

Honorable Mentions: Zach McGowan, North Attleboro – Dan MacDonald, North Attleboro – Connor O’Rourke, Franklin – Paul Macrina, King Philip

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HockomockSports First Team

Connor O’Rourke – Franklin – Goalie
Franklin junior Connor O’Rourke continued to impress between the pipes for the Kelley-Rex division champion Panthers. O’Rourke recorded 169 saves on the season and was among the league leaders in save percentage (64%). O’Rourke was also voted a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches. “He’s an outstanding ball stopper and tremendous clearer of the ball, he was our Team MVP voted on by the players,” said Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi. “He’s a major reason for our success the past two years.”

 

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Wyatt Arsenault – Franklin – Defense
Franklin senior Wyatt Arsenault was a big reason why the Panthers posted yet another perfect league record and emerged as a top team in the state. The Panthers were incredibly impressive in league games, allowing just 22 goals in 11 games. Arsenault played a big role in helping Franklin record three shutouts and was among the best in the league at clearances and ground balls. “Wyatt is a steady, cerebral defender that is very tough to beat one-on-one,” said FHS coach Lou Verrochi. “He’s constantly calling out defensive responsibilities to his teammates.”

 

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Patrick Kaveny – Foxboro – Defense
Foxboro junior Patrick Kaveny was a huge part of the Warriors’ defensive unit during the 2017 campaign. Foxboro had one of the top defensive units in the league this season, ranking third overall in goals against. Kaveny’s quick feet and strength made it difficult for opponents to get their offense in gear. His strong stick work was a big reason why Foxboro was ninth in the entire state with just 5.50 goals allowed per game.

 

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Tom Lockavitch – North Attleboro – Defense
North Attleboro junior Tom Lockavitch had an impressive season anchoring the Rocketeers defensive unit – one of the top groups in the entire state. Big Red was first in the league with just 77 goals against all season. Lockavitch’s effort in front of net help North finish second in the entire state with just 4.05 goals allowed per game. “He is our lock down player, taking on every team’s number one attackman,” said North Attleboro head coach Kevin Young. “His field IQ and clearing speed are among the best in the league.”

 

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Zach D’Amico – King Philip – LSM
King Philip senior Zach D’Amico took on a lot of responsibility during his final year and earned EMass All Star honors for his play. Playing both long stick midfield and short stick midfield, D’Amico was one of the best at ground balls (97) and chipped in on the offensive end as well with nine goals and five assists. “Zach would play on the wing on face offs and would cover the best offensive midfielder from the opposing team,” said KP coach Jamie Stefanini. “Zach played with tremendous hustle and grit and was all over the field.”

 

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Michael Pigeon – Canton – LSM
Canton senior Michael Pigeon capped a memorable career with the Bulldogs with yet another terrific season. As well as patrolling the wing on face offs, Pigeon was also tasked with guarding the top players on opposing teams. He led the team in ground balls a year ago and was second in 2017. “His work ethic is his greatest strength, he is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached,” said Canton coach Bill Bendell. “He loves challenges and his compete level is off the charts; he goes all out in games but also every single drill in every practice.”

 

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Hunter Ferreira – Mansfield – Midfield
Mansfield junior Hunter Ferreira continued to be one of the top players in the league during the 2017 season. He tied for the team lead in goals and was first on the team in assists. His 53 points were a team-high (fifth in the entire Hockomock League). Ferreira’s speed and finishing ability puts him in a category of his own among Hock midfielders. “Hunter is an electrifying attackman, he has an athletic IQ that cannot be taught on the football field or lacrosse field,” said Mansfield coach Tim Frias. “He’s a great leader and hard worker with one of the best shots in the state.”

 

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Brendan Tully – Foxboro – Midfield
Foxboro sophomore Brendan Tully was one of the top two-way players in the league in his second season on the roster. Making the move to midfield after starting as an attack last season, Tully’s combination of toughness and speed made him a vital park of the Warriors’ game plan. When Foxboro gets its transition game going, Tully can create a lot of opportunities with his stick. He finished the regular season with 24 goals and 15 assists.

 

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Packie Watson – Franklin – Midfield
Franklin senior Packie Watson was a key piece for the Panthers, who clinched their fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title. Not only was Watson, a four-year varsity player, a threat on the offensive end with 23 goals and 20 assists, he was an outstanding wing player on face offs. His leadership played a big role in Franklin’s cerebral offense. He will play at Springfield College next year. “Packie is a coach’s dream. He’s a throwback two-way midfielder and one of the best team leaders we’ve ever had at FHS, respected by all the coaches and players in the league.”

 

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Eric Civetti – Franklin – Attack
Franklin junior Eric Civetti was once again one of the best offensive players in the league during the 2017 season. After a strong freshman year in 2015, Civetti has been the league leader in points each of the last two seasons. This year, he finished the regular season with an even 100 points — 79 goals and 21 assists. Civetti scored four goals in Franklin’s opening playoff game against Xaverian. The junior, already committed to Rutgers University, has compiled 280 points already in his three years on varsity with one season remaining.

 

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Zach McGowan – North Attleboro – Attack
North Attleboro senior Zach McGowan was one of the most dangerous offensive players during the 2017 season. The Rocketeers had their best season in program history and McGowan’s leadership was a big reason why. He finished with 34 goals and a league-high 40 assists, totaling 74 points (third in the league). The majority of North Attleboro’s potent offense ran through McGowan’s stick. For his career, McGowan – a four-year starter – finished with 112 goals and 92 assists. “Zach was an on the field leader who ran our attack,” said North coach Kevin Young.

 

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Tim Watson – King Philip – Attack
King Philip senior Tim Watson finished up an impressive career for the Warriors with a strong senior season in the green and gold. Watson had a prolific season on the offensive end, scoring 56 goals and adding 28 assists for 84 points (second in the Hockomock League). He was also selected as an Eastern Mass All Star. “Tim is a leader on the lacrosse field and in the classroom,” said King Philip head coach Jamie Stefanini. “Whenever we needed to score on offense, we would call on Tim and he would generate offense for us.”

 

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Jacob Alexander – Franklin – FOGO
Franklin sophomore Jacob Alexander continued his dominance at the face off X during the 2017 season. One of the reasons that Franklin posted a perfect 11-0 record in league play and an impressive 16-4 record in the regular season is because Alexander dominated at face offs, giving the Panthers possession after possession. Alexander won 330 of the 387 draws he took, an incredible 85% success rate. He was also selected as the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year. “Jacob is one of the best FOGO’s in the entire state,” said FHS coach Lou Verrochi.

 

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Dan MacDonald – North Attleboro – Utility
North Attleboro senior Dan MacDonald did it all in a historic season for the Rocketeers. Not only was he one of the top goalies in the league, he also played attack in a handful of games and registered at least a point in all of them. He posted an impressive save percentage (73%) and was selectd Hockomock League MVP. “He’s the most dedicated, hard working, lacrosse player I’ve had the honor of coaching,” said NAHS coach Kevin Young. “He is a tireless competitor often giving his free time to help younger and youth players. Our team’s success was achieved on Dan’s back.”

 

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HockomockSports Second Team

Paul Macrina – King Philip – Goalie
King Philip senior Paul Macrina concluded an absolute stellar career with another terrific season for the Warriors. During his senior season, Macrina recorded 247 saves, including his 1,000th career stop in a playoff game against BC High. Macrina’s effort in the state tournament kept KP in the game against the eventual D1 State Finalists. Macrina, the 2015 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, was selected as an Eastern Mass All Star. “Paul was one of four captains this year and provided strong leadership and motivation to KP,” said KP coach Jamie Stefanini.

 

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Conor Khung– King Philip – Defense
King Philip senior Conor Khung anchored one of the top defensive units in the state during the 2017 season. Khung’s strong stick work, quick feet and strong lacrosse IQ were big reasons that the Warriors allowed just 6.59 goals a game. “Conor was a lock down defensemen. Every game, Conor was asked to cover the best attackmen from the opposing teams,” said KP coach Jamie Stefanini. “He consistently shut down the opposing attackman and played outstanding team defense. Conor provided great leadership to the KP lax team, especially to the younger defensive players.”

 

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Patrick Morrison – Franklin – Defense
Franklin sophomore Patrick Morrison followed up a strong rookie season with another impressive year in 2017. One of the smartest defenders in the league, Morrison was quick to turn defense into offense. His size and IQ gave him the advantage over many opposing attackmen. The sophomore, who is committed to Rutgers, scooped up 64 ground balls and was responsible for a lot of turnovers. “He’s an outstanding defender, he covered all the best attackmen from teams we faced this year,” said Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi. “He’s threat to score any time he clears the ball.”

 

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Pat Stapleton – Foxboro – Defense
Foxboro sophomore Pat Stapleton made a successful transition to the defensive unit in the 2017 season. After starting as an LSM during his freshman year, Stapleton helped solidify the Warriors’ defensive unit. His speed and one-on-one defensive skills were a big reason that the Warriors had a top defense yet again this season. Stapleton played a big role in why Foxboro ranked third in the goals against category among Hockomock teams this season. The Warriors had two shutouts in league play and limited five other Hock teams to three or fewer goals.

 

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Max Fontes – North Attleboro – LSM
North Attleboro junior Max Fontes had a standout year at LSM for the Davenport division champion Rocketeers. A year after switching to the position, Fontes looked very comfortable in his new role. “Max’s speed, athletic skill, and determination allow him to dominate the face off wing and clear,” said North Attleboro head coach Kevin Young. “Max’s job was simple: take the best middie – usually opposing team’s best athlete – and wear him down to limit productivity. Max did it every game this year, while only getting six minutes in penalties.”

 

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Jack Platner – Franklin – LSM
Franklin senior Jack Platner played a vital role in helping the Panthers clinch their fifth straight Kelley-Rex title with a perfect 11-0 league record. Platner, who is committed to play at Lynchburg next year, often drew praise for shutting down some of best players that Franklin faced off against this season. “Jack is an excellent LSM,” said Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi. “He is a good one-on-one defender and always took best opposing middie. He has excellent stick skills and is great on ground balls.”

 

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Sam Arsenault – Franklin – Midfield
Franklin senior Sam Arsenault might not have been in a lot of the headlines, but was a vital part of Franklin’s division winning squad this season. Arsenault was a big reason that the Panthers’ offense – which was the highest producing unit in the league – fired on all cylinders. “Eric [Civetti] may have produced more points but Sam did all the little things that often went undetected like backing up shots, the feeds and setting picks among other things,” said Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi. “He would have been the top attackman on many teams we played this season.”

 

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Joe Cox – Mansfield – Midfield
Mansfield junior Joe Cox was a force in the midfield for the Hornets this season. Cox was one of the top two-way players for a Mansfield team that finished third in the Kelley-Rex division and nearly scored an upset in the opening round of the state tournament. He scored 19 goals – good for third on the team – and added 14 assists, finishing third on the team with 33 points. “Teams win with guys like Joe, through his hard work, grit and grind as well as an athletic awareness that is not taught,” said MHS coach Tm Frias. “Joe will look to lead the team next year as captain.”

 

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Jack Dakin – North Attleboro – Midfield
North Attleboro senior Jack Dakin was all over the field making plays during the 2017 season. His athletic ability played a big role in helping the Rocketeers to their best season ever, including the program’s first ever league title. Even though he was receiving a lot of attention from opposing defenses, Dakin finished second on the team in scoring with 30 goals and 22 assists. “Jack was our best athlete,” said North Attleboro coach Kevin Young. “He controlled the tempo of our midfield. Every team slid early to him or shut him off.”

 

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Colin DeVellis – King Philip – Attack
King Philip sophomore Colin DeVellis continued to be an offensive threat in his second season dawning the green and gold. Working alongside Tim Watson, the duo formed one of the most dangerous tandems in the league. DeVellis (24 goals) has speed that caused trouble for defenses and his vision (37 assists) helped set the Warriors’ offense in motion. “Colin, only a sophomore, has a high lacrosse IQ and has tremendous playmaking ability,” said KP coach Jamie Stefanini. “He is an unselfish player and has a great ability at getting his teammates involved in the offense.”

 

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Ryan Lodge – Canton – Attack
Canton senior Ryan Lodge had a fantastic final year for the Bulldogs. With a big void on the offensive end with the graduation of one of the program’s top scorers in Ben O’Neill, Lodge stepped up and became a go-to option. In his final year, Lodge recorded 29 goals and 16 assists for a team-high 45 points. “Ryan was someone we could count on to make something happen when we needed a spark,” said CHS coach Bill Bendell. “Ryan was one of our captains this year and his understated leadership style was very effective. He’s a great teammate, great kid, and a pleasure to coach.”

 

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Louis Piccolo – Foxboro – Attack
Foxboro junior Louis Piccolo had another strong year on the attack for the Warriors, who qualified for the MIAA D2 Tournament again this season. While the Warriors used a very balanced approach on the offensive end (four players with over 30 points), Piccolo finished as the team’s leading scorer in the regular season with 25 goals. He also recorded 13 assists to 38 points (second on the team). The 2017 season marked the second straight year that Piccolo led the Warriors in scoring.

 

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Jason McNeany – North Attleboro – FOGO
North Attleboro junior Jason McNeany emerged as one of the league’s top players at the face off X in 2017. The Rocketeers had their best season in program history and won their first ever league title and McNeany’s ability to win face offs played a big role. Beyond face offs, McNeany was also an offensive threat for Big Red, registering 21 goals and seven assists. “Jason worked very hard to become our number one face off player this year,” said NAHS coach Kevin Young. “His growth in that very specialized position is a credit to his athletic skill and has been fun to watch.”

 

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Nitin Chaudhury – Franklin – Utility
Franklin junior Nitin Chaudhury was an X-factor for the Kelley-Rex winning Panthers in 2017. Whether it was on the offensive end or the defensive side, Chaudhury always seemed to make plays. He developed into a very dangerous player on the offensive end, finishing the season with 25 goals and 10 assists. “He’s one of the most dynamic midfield dodgers in the state,” said Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi. “Some teams put a shutoff on him because of it. There’s absolutely no quit in him, he can run all day.”

 

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Franklin sophomore midfielder Jacob Alexander has been selected as the 2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Underclassman of the Year. Alexander was by far the best face off specialist in the Hockomock League and was one of the best in the entire state this season.

Alexander, who was selected to the HockomockSports.com First Team for the second straight season, dominated throughout the entire year. His ability to earn possession to start the game, or to keep possession to help the Panthers make a run, played a big role in Franklin clinching its fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title with an undefeated (11-0) league record.

“Jacob continued to dominate at the face off X this season,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Even though it was rare that the Panthers were trailing in a game, you knew that if Franklin could score one, they had a chance at making a run because Jacob would more often than not come away with the ensuing face off win. That’s a huge confidence boost for a team.”

Alexander is the fifth sophomore to win the award and third Franklin player. This year’s Player of the Year Eric Civetti earned the honors in 2016 and former Panther Mike Sullivan won in 2013. King Philip’s Paul Macrina (2015) and Johnny Piatelli (2014) are also previous winners.

Honorable Mentions: Colin DeVellis, King Philip – Patrick Morrison, Franklin – Brendan Tully, Foxboro

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Coach of the Year – Kevin Young, North Attleboro

North Attleboro head coach Kevin Young has been named the 2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Coach of the Year. Young led North Attleboro to its best season in program history, setting a record for wins as well as winning the program’s first league title.

“Kevin has done a tremendous job in his tenure as head coach of the Rocketeers, developing a young program to what it is now,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Not only did North Attleboro win the Davenport division, they did so in impressive fashion and had one of the best defensive units in the entire state in terms of goals against.”

North Attleboro finished the regular season 16-2, going 10-1 in league play. The Rocketeers lost by just one against perennial power Franklin early in the season and lost to KP in a non-league match up early on – both losses by just one goal. Big Red avenged its loss to KP with a win in the team’s league game against the Warriors later on in the season.

The Rocketeers earned the #4 seed in the D2 Central/East bracket. Big Red suffered an overtime loss to state powerhouse Concord-Carlisle in the first round, their third loss of the season by just a single tally.

Young is just the third coach from North Attleboro to be named HockomockSports.com Coach of the Year, joining Don Johnson (football, 2015) and Sean Mulkerrins (boys basketball, 2016-2017).

Honorable Mentions: Tim Frias, Mansfield – Jamie Stefanini, King Philip – Lou Verrochi, Franklin
 

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