The Wood River Warriors have stepped up and for the first time earned a spot in the Treasure Valley Lacrosse League (TVLL) prep play-offs.
Wood River defeated Rocky Mountain of Meridian 14-6 Saturday. In the loser-out game the Warriors struggled early, but turned things around and took control in the second half.
Seniors David Dredge (3 goals, 3 assists), Tracy Bailet (4 goals, 2 assists) and Luke McNees (4 goals) led the Warriors attack. Other scorers were Nick Chase (2 goals, 1 assist) and Tanner Marcoulier (1 goal).
The Warriors earned the right to travel to unbeaten Timberline of Boise for the first TVLL off game Tuesday.
In Saturday's Wood River-Rocky Mountain game, it was scoreless after one quarter. Crisp passing and players moving without the ball started to open up seams in the Rocky Mountain defense. Wood River took a 4-2 lead at intermission and never looked back.
With nine assists in the game the Warriors showed their ability to distribute the ball, find the open man and finish. Meanwhile, Reed Stokes in his second start as goalie had a very good day with 14 saves. His passes in transition were where he really shined.
Having made the switch to lone pole midfielder, Connor Bennett has been making a difference winning ground balls on faceoffs and playing great defense if the face goes the other way, according to Warriors coach Jay Bailet.
Bailet added, "This was our best effort so far. We are finally playing lacrosse as it should be played. And we're tickled pink to play in the post-season."
Dredge and Bennett are planning to play on the All Idaho team this summer, traveling to Sonoma and Denver respectively for tournaments.