Dripping Springs Lacrosse advanced to the State Semifinals for the first time ever by winning their Super Regional playoff games against Kingwood and Pearland last weekend. Their 17-5 season to date ties the school record for the most wins and sets a new record as the best single season winning percentage in school history.
It’s been quite a week for Drip Lacrosse. Earlier in the week, the team was notified that DSHS Lacrosse was the recipient of the Donald Carnes Award by the Central Texas Lacrosse Officials Association. According to the CTLOA, “The award is presented to one men’s high school lacrosse program for their sportsmanship, quality of play, respect for the game’s character, and the honor they bring to the sport.” The award was presented to the club on Saturday, before the Kingwood game.
Coach Caff has been a big reason for the Drip Lacrosse rise to prominence over the last decade. Broadly respected by his players, alumni and even his opponents, Coach Caff is in his 11th season, making him the second longest tenured coach in Texas high school lacrosse. With last weekend’s playoff victories, Coach Caff now has 110 wins in his Drip Lacrosse career.
When asked about his experience this year, his answer gives you a sense of how he works; “This team has been so resilient all season and always finds a way to win. Their mental toughness has been off the charts and they truly believe in themselves and each other. I’m so proud of what they have accomplished up until this point but we are not done. I’m just grateful for one more week with the boys and an opportunity to compete at the highest level this weekend in Houston,” he said.
Drip Lacrosse also boasts five of 2024’s THSLL Class B Awardees:
• Kyle Parker #4, Attack, All-State
• Brady Taylor #8, Midfield, All-District • Dylan Reeves #22, Defense, Honorable Mention
• Lucas Willingham #31, Midfield, Honorable Mention • Noah Chomout #12, LSM, Honorable Mention Hammer Practice Player awardees last week were seniors, attackman Kyle Parker and midfielder Deacon Ivey.
Vs. Kingwood
Given Drip’s tough matchup and last second victory over Kingwood in the regular season, Kingwood entered Saturday’s Super Regional playoff game ready to claim what they believed was theirs. But it was not to be.
The Drip vs Kingwood rematch lived up to billing in the first half. Junior LSM Eli Tinsley (1A) assisted Kyle Parker (4G) to get things going. By the half, Parker, senior midfielder Deacon Ivey (2G, 2A), junior attackman Dominic Bruni (1G, 2A), Taylor (2G, 1A), and junior midfielder Tucker Walls (1G, 1A) had all put up points, with Drip holding a 7-5 edge.
While Kingwood continued to play inspired ball in the second half, it wasn’t enough. The final score was 11-8, Drip.
Vs. Pearland
Pearland entered Sunday having upset higher seeded Stratford the day before. Pearland was riding high but like many before them, Drip opponents’ early confidence tends to fade as Drip relentlessly finds new ways to adjust and push harder. This game was no different.
Pearland got off to a strong start but Parker (8G, 1A), Ivey (1G, 2A), Taylor (2G, 2A), and junior attackman AJ Deer (1G, 1A) all put up first half points to keep the game close. Pearland was up 5-4 at the half.
Early in the third, a face-off win and fastbreak assist by senior midfielder Brandon Magat (16-7 on faceoffs, 1G, 1A) to Parker was followed by another Magat face-off win and unassisted fast break goal. This triggered a flood of second half Drip scoring by Parker, Taylor, Bruni (1G) and senior midfielder Truman Householder (1G). Pearland had no answer.
In his first appearance after having missed much of the season due to a broken foot, senior midfielder/ goalie Austin Reeves stepped into the cage after halftime. Reeves responded with a dramatic forced turnover and four impressive saves in the fourth to seal Pearland’s fate. The final score was 159, Drip.
Out of 45 Class B teams, Drip is one of the ‘final four’ and headed to the State Championship round. They travel to Houston for the Texas State Semifinal in a rematch with a well coached, highly disciplined TMI club. TMI boasts three All State players and is coming off of a hotly contested playoff win over Dallas area’s Prosper. The winner of Saturday's game will play the winner of Highland Park B vs Lovejoy for the State Championship on the following day, Sunday, May 12.
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