After each of its wins this season, Georgetown Prep ran sprints. While its beaten opponents licked their wounds, the Little Hoyas demonstrated their commitment to excellence.
Tuesday after the Interstate Athletic Conference tournament final, Prep finally rested. Its 15-3 victory over Landon was evidence of what it strived for all year — perfection.
“Yeah, no running,” said junior Patrick Maloney, who had three goals and an assist. “They gave us break today. Hey, we went 22-0.”
With its huge, savvy defense dominating its end of the field, and its deep offense running rings around the Landon cage, Prep (22-0) rolled to its most decisive victory in this heated rivalry, put the finishing touches on its first undefeated season, and won its second outright IAC title.
“It was weird,” said senior Andrew Brancaccio. “You don’t expect that against Landon. We started off well, got relaxed, and played our game.”
On Monday night, to give his team an appreciation for what it was about to undertake, Prep coach Kevin Giblin showed the Little Hoyas the documentary, “Just AnotherGame.” The movie detailed the history of Prep’s former losing streak (18 games from 1987-2002) against Landon. Over the last four years, however, Prep has won five of eight meetings.
“Those teams tried so hard and they always came up short,” said Prep junior Ryan Shuler, who had two goals. “Watching the movie really motivated us. It also gives us an appreciation for what we accomplished.”
Prep was indomitable Tuesday. While Brendan Saxon and Jeremy Hirsch led the defense along with 6-foot-5 Kevin Ridgway and 6-2 Bray Malphrus, Brancaccio (four goals) and Steven Coyle (two goals, two assists) sparked the offense.
“It’s nice. I’ve been on the other end,” said Prep coach Kevin Giblin. “I’m a little surprised. We shot very well in the first half.”
Very well indeed. The Little Hoyas converted 10 of 15 attempts on their way to a 10-2 halftime lead. Landon’s frustration was evident as it pulled its starting goalie twice and used three in the game. At the other end of the field, Prep goalie Chris Casey (10 saves) kept Landon (13-6) from making a run.
“We’ve beaten some great Prep teams in the past. We’ve wrecked their undefeated seasons,” said Landon coach Rob Bordley. “[But] they’re just bigger and stronger. We have a lot of kids with a lot of heart. They scrapped and gave it their best shot, but athletically, [Prep’s] simply superior to us.”
Historic victory
» The 12-goal margin was the biggest in the Landon-Prep series since the Bears’ 13-1 victory in the second game of the series, 1988.
» Landon got goals from Mike Grossman, Will Patch and George Huguely.
» Landon’s six losses are its most in a season since 1977.
