In an effort to win a fourth straight Virginia public school championship, Oakton coach Tony Gray has lined up the Cougars’ most challenging schedule ever. Tuesday’s 22-4 loss at Georgetown Prep, however, was something more than challenging.
The defeat came against an undefeated private school powerhouse, ranked No. 3 in the nation by LaxPower.con. When it was over, Georgetown Prep (15-0) had out-shot Oakton, 58-12.
It got so bad that all Oakton (3-3) could do was laugh. When senior Jared Ruppert won a faceoff, then made a careless pass, he came off the field shaking his head.
“OK, I know that was stupid,” said Ruppert, igniting howls on the Cougars’ sideline.
Tuesday was a far cry from last year when Oakton took Prep to the final gun in an 8-7 loss. The difference this time was depth, as 19 Little Hoyas tallied a goal or an assist, and face-off domination, as they won 20 of 30.
“After what happened last year, we really wanted to come out and kick them in the mouth,” said junior Brian Tabb, who won 11 of 13 face-offs.
Prep raced to a 5-0 lead before Oakton senior Donald Murphy scored a man-up goal. Then the Little Hoyas retaliated with a 7-0 run led by seniors Dan Keegan (four goals, one assist), Andrew Brancaccio and Brian Fitzgerald, who had three goals each.
Oakton goalie C.J. Ward had 13 saves. The Cougars also got goals from junior Clark Scheible and seniors Tyler Zivic and Bobby Davis.
“It was pretty evenly matched athletically. The difference was definitely the sticks. Their skills, we just can’t match,” said Daivs. “We’re playing the best team in the nation, it can only make us better.”
Not so Little Hoyas
» The Little Hoyas’ domination was aided by three Patricks — seniors Patrick McCormick and Patrick Flanagan, who had two goals each, and junior Patrick Maloney who had two assists.
» Prep sophomore defenseman Pat Schmitz scored the game’s final goal.
» Prep coach Kevin Giblin is pursuing what would be his first perfect season.
