The rivalry between Clarkstown North and Clarkstown South high schools could be described using one word — passionate. No matter what sport is being played, both the Rams and the Vikings will do whatever is necessary to help guide their respected team to victory. Last night, that sport was Boys Lacrosse, a sport that until a decade ago had been somewhat underground in Rockland county sports (especially in Clarkstown).
“Lacrosse has arrived for both boys and girls here in Rockland County,” said Clarkstown South Athletic Director Vincent Louther.
Coming into the battle for Clarkstown on Saturday, both North and South had been struggling in their section (Class A section 1). The Vikings, after opening the season with 3-0 record, fell into a slump and lost six in row leading them to a 5-7 record coming into “North Week.” For the Rams, the beginning of the year was anything but successful, with a 0-3 record to open up the season. North then picked it up a little bit and had fought their way back to a 5-7 record.
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From the faceoff on, the Vikings of Clarkstown South dominated their cross-town rival Rams in every phase of the game and captured a 14-1 victory Saturday. Whether it was the strong physical play of defensemen Ryan Kennish, Robert Carlyle, and Colin Quinn — who led the team in Groundballs with 7 — or the incredible goalie play by Kris Alleyne, the Vikings would not be denied a victory on their home turf.
The Vikings exploded following an early timeout called by Coach Adam Chagres, who needed to get his team to regroup following a string of big hits and momentum by North. The Vikings got 5 unanswered goals that put the South up 5-0 at the end of the 1st quarter.
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As the game went on the depth, experience and just overall superior talent of the Vikings showed especially with senior Attacker, Eddie Oswald who led the Vikings with 3 goals. Other contributors to the 14 Viking points were Joe Buzzeti, Kyle Russ, and Matt Barry.
Although the Vikings offense shined, on the defense junior goalie Kris Alleyne only let in 1 goal and had 10 saves in net. Alleyne's biggest save of the night by far came in the 3rd quarter when a North player had an open shot and Alleyne dove across the net and made a spectacular save that made Viking Nation erupt.
“It feels great to beat these guys and get back after the Heartbreak back in the fall,” said Alleyne, who is also a member of the Varsity football team.
“When Kris is in net you know that you’re automatically given a great chance to win,” says sophomore defenseman Robert Carlyle when asked about what it’s like to play defense in front of a guy goaltender like Kris Alleyne. “He is the real deal and is a guy that no one wants to face”.
The Vikings next game will be on Wednesday, May 11 at 5:15 p.m. at home against the 11 – 2 Suffern Mounties.
The Rams next game is Monday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m. at Harrison High School.
