- November 6, 2024
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The Pirates replaced the entire attack squad this year.
Matanzas Pirates lacrosse lost in the district semifinals last season to eventual champion Lake Mary, finishing the season 10-5 — the best record since 2008.
Redistricting by the Florida High School Athletic Association puts Matanzas in District 6 with Pedro Menendez, St. Augustine, and crosstown rival Flagler Palm Coast.
Coach Mike Jones enters his first season as varsity coach. He’s no stranger to the game, though. He played four years of high school at FPC, then played club lacrosse in college. He also has been coaching for the past five years.
“I’ve been an assistant under some great coaches and have had the opportunity to learn not just the game, but how to manage personalities and develop student-athletes for their futures beyond lacrosse,” Jones said.
The Pirates lost six seniors from last year’s team, including the team’s most effective starting attackman, Kyle Williams, who scored more than 80 points last season.
However, Jones said a crop of players developed their game during the offseason.
Josh Holbrook, a junior, will be a key part of the defense. In midfield and attack, seniors Tre Grant, Thomas Tarantola and Sean Wilson project to be featured players.
The biggest obstacle for Jones in his first season is replacing an entire attack unit from last year’s team, something he has never had to do.
“Their development is going to be key for our offense and our ability to control possession,” Jones said.
Several players have changed positions.
“Our defense is young, athletic, and eager to get after groundballs,” Jones added. “They will keep us in games and allow our offense to go through some developmental time and growing pains.”
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27@ Lake Brantley
6 p.m. Friday, March 2St. Augustine
6 p.m. Wednesday, March 7@ Bishop Snyder
7 p.m. Friday, March 9@ Flagler Palm Coast
7 p.m. Tuesday, March 13Creekside
1 p.m. Saturday, March 17Oak Hall
1 p.m. Wednesday, March 21Lawton Chiles
7 p.m. Friday, March 23St. Edwards
7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28@ Buchholz
1 p.m. Saturday, March 21@ First Academy
