You never know what might come out of a good meal at Mac & Bob’s. Maybe an exciting intra-state high school lacrosse game between two teams each hoping to win their state championship this spring.
Last Saturday at Spartan Field the defending Class 4 state champion Salem Spartans defeated Loveland High of Cincinnati, Ohio, 9-8 in overtime. Loveland was 12-2 prior to the game and ranked 12th in all of Ohio.
“I was excited for the opportunity to play such a good out of state team,” said Salem coach George Revercomb. “Their coach was in the area last year for a work trip and he watched our home state playoff games and ate at Mac and Bobs and loved the area. Loveland plans one big road trip a year, and he got my phone number and asked if we wanted to schedule a game.”
The two schools agreed on a Saturday afternoon game. Loveland also was able to schedule Patrick Henry for a Friday night game and the Tigers defeated PH, 12-6. Salem’s only loss on the season was to Patrick Henry.
Saturday’s game was a good one on a beautiful Salem, Virginia afternoon. The Spartans led 4-3 at the half and 6-4 after three quarters, but the Tigers outscored Salem 4-2 in the fourth period to tie it at 8-8 and send the game into overtime. Parker Dallas scored his second goal of the game in overtime to give Salem a memorable victory.
“Really proud of the guys to get the big win over out of state Loveland,” said Revercomb. “Their coach, Mike Riggall, is a class act and they had a few D1 kids on their team who are very talented. Great time win and a lot we can build on moving forward.”
Dallas added three assists to his two goals while Logan Sparks led the Spartans with three scores. Also scoring were Josiah King, Oliver Farber, Wade Marble, and defenseman Ronnie Frith. Richard Hof had 14 saves in the goal.
“Richard played amazing,” said Revercomb. “Huge saves for us.”
The Spartans upped their record to 11-1 on Monday with a 15-1 win at Cave Spring. Dallas had three goals and four assists, Sparks had three and three and everyone got in the game.
Salem is now off until next Monday when they host Patrick Henry hoping to avenge their only loss of the season. The varsity game is scheduled for 7:15 pm.
