On April 21, 2026, and May 1, 2026, the Harrison boys varsity and JV lacrosse teams delivered two of the most exciting games of the season. The varsity team rallied from a five-goal deficit to defeat Pearl River 12-11 in a dramatic overtime win, while the junior Huskies followed with a thrilling 9-8 overtime victory against Tapan Zee.
Heading into the fourth quarter trailing 10–5, the varsity team faced what seemed like an uphill battle. Still, belief never wavered. “Even down by 5 goals, we were confident we still had a chance to win,” said senior midfielder Jack Badner. As the final quarter began, the Huskies embodied that mindset, and momentum quickly shifted. The offense chipped away at Pearl River’s lead, energizing both the team sideline and the crowd with each goal. The surge was fueled by Badner, along with senior captains Austin Margolies and Luke Riccio, who all scored goals to help tie the game at 10-10.
Pearl River responded with a late goal to retain the lead, making it 11-10. But with time winding down and the pressure mounting, the Huskies delivered when it mattered most. With just seven seconds remaining, sophomore attackman Reed Appleton found the back of the net to tie the game again at 11–11, sending it into overtime.
“With low time on the clock, my only thought was to go hard to the net,” said Appleton. “My teammates did an incredible job putting me in position to take a shot. All I needed to do was make a big play.” In just his second year on varsity, Appleton’s growing confidence was on full display.
The intensity carried into the sudden death overtime, where both teams battled for possession and the chance to end the game. That moment came quickly. Sophomore defensemen Benji Shenk made a crucial defensive play, stripping his opponent, scooping up the ground ball, and securing possession for the Huskies.
The team transitioned to offense, where senior midfielder Peter Boracheck drew a double team after an aggressive dodge. Reading the play perfectly, senior captain Austin Margolies cut to the crease and capitalized on Boracheck’s well-timed feed. Catching the ball with his left hand, Margolies smoothly switched to his right and fired a bounce shot past the goalie — scoring the walk-off goal and sealing the victory.
“You always dream of moments like that when practicing in the backyard,” Margolies said. “Peter did a great job getting me the ball, and I was happy I could finish. This was the best team win of our season, and probably the most memorable Harrison lacrosse victory I’ve been part of.”
Boracheck reflected on the assist. “I initially made a hard dodge trying to create a shot for myself, but when I rolled back, I saw Austin wide open. I trusted him completely in that moment, and he delivered.”
While the offense shined in key moments, the foundation of the victory was built on defense, especially in goal. Goalie Jacob Burack turned in a standout performance with 22 saves, keeping the Huskies within reach throughout the game. His presence proved crucial during stretches when Pearl River threatened to extend its lead. As of April 30, Burack leads the league in save percentage.
When asked about the game winning moment, Burack kept it simple: “I was just glad Austin buried it.” He added, “I have been playing with Austin and this awesome senior group since our days in the Harrison Youth program. This was an incredible moment for all of us, one we’ll always remember.”
After the clutch goal, Margolies and his teammates sprinted straight to Burack, highlighting the goalie’s impact on the game. “Every game, win or lose, we thank our goalie,” Margolies explained. “At that moment, all I wanted to do was celebrate with Jacob and all the guys. He is the best goalie in the section and was a huge part of this win.” Afterward, the team ran to the stands to celebrate with family and friends who made the trip.
From a five-goal deficit to a walk-off overtime win, the game showcased the Huskies’ resilience, teamwork, and determination. What began as a difficult contest became a defining moment in Harrison lacrosse history.
The excitement surrounding Harrison lacrosse doesn’t end with varsity, as the JV team also delivered a thrilling overtime victory against Tappan Zee.
Trailing 8–7 late in the game and down a man due to a penalty, the Huskies faced a difficult situation. With just 30 seconds remaining, freshmen defenseman and captain Charlie Sciacca made a game-changing play, stripping the ball from his attacker. Knowing time was limited, Sciacca launched a long clearing pass from behind his own net, a last ditch effort similar to a football Hail Mary. The ball traveled nearly 60 yards and took a sharp bounce. Freshman midfielder and captain Ryder Margolies tracked it down and, without hesitation, fired a shot into the net to tie the game.
“I knew I had to get the ball into the offensive zone as quickly as possible if we had any chance,” Sciacca said. “As soon as I saw the pass in the air, I knew Ryder would make a play on it. I wasn’t sure if there was enough time left, but when he scored, our whole team was ecstatic. It was such a clutch goal.”
With momentum on their side heading into overtime, the Huskies wasted little time finishing the job. Freshman attackman Hudson Brown stepped up in the decisive moment, scoring the game-winning goal on the Huskies first overtime possession, securing the hard-fought victory.
The comeback was a testament to the JV team’s determination and growing confidence. In a game that mirrored the intensity of the varsity matchup, the junior Huskies proved they can also step up in big moments.
The Varsity squad now holds a 6-8 record, while the JV team stands 10-3.
Senior night will take place on May 18th against Blind Brook.
Be sure to come out and support the 12 seniors on the boys lacrosse team who have worked hard to be leaders in the program and set the strong foundation for Harrison Lacrosse.
Check out the game winning goals here:
