Wolf Pac nipped by Scarsdale, bounce back vs. Fox Lane

For newcomers to the varsity boys lax scene, it’s worth noting that Mahopac was once a powerhouse in lacrosse. From 1992 to 2005, the program dominated Section 1 Class A, stockpiling eight Section 1 Class A championships – plus its lone state title in 1996 – while contending for four more titles during the height of the former Indians’ heyday. It’s been a few years since Mahopac last clinched a Section 1 title, doing so as far back as 2011 during coach Jon Bota’s senior year.

It’ll be a tall order for the Wolf Pac to restore its championship luster in 2026, but Bota believes this unit can “make some noise” given its athleticism, its commitment to greatness and a competitively balanced Class B scene, which includes just 10 teams this spring. As always, the hope is to be playing its best lacrosse on or around May 22 – the first round of the Class B tournament – with the finals slated for June 3 at Yorktown High School’s Charlie Murphy Field.

Nothing will come easy for the Wolf Pac in League C, where reigning sectional champion Horace Greeley looks to defend its lone title and perennial powerhouse Yorktown—owner of 42 Section 1 championships—looms alongside a strong Harrison squad. League wins will be hard-earned, but the Wolf Pac have looked every bit like contenders through their first two outings. They’ll aim to prove it again when they travel to face front-running Yorktown on May 5 at 7 p.m.

In Mahopac’s 10-4 win over host Fox Lane on Thursday, March 26, the Wolf Pac stepped onto the field ready to roll, and they delivered a gritty, blue-collar performance from start to finish. The offense found its rhythm early, the defense forced turnovers in key moments, and the energy never dipped. But against a disciplined opponent, every possession mattered, and the game tightened into a defensive grind. The Wolf Pac (1-1) battled, created chances, moved the ball with purpose and punched in goals when they needed them. The effort was undeniable. This was a showcase of heart, toughness and emerging talent, starting with senior A Gavin O’Keefe, who bagged a career-high four goals to go with one assist — the engine all day long. He was joined in the winning effort by junior A Liam Jones (1 goal, 3 assists), who quarterbacked the offense. There was also an energetic shine on the field as freshman A Landon Saracco (3 goals) displayed a pure finishing touch and a glimpse into the future.

“We have a good foundation returning this year and a solid freshman in Saracco, who had a hat trick for us in his first varsity game,” Bota said.

Senior M Connor Behun (1 goal, 1 assist), senior M Tommy Vitello (1 assist) and junior AJ Cannariato (1 assist) found the stat sheet while freshman A/M Patrick Stirpe had a milestone moment, scoring his first goal.

Wolf Pac junior LSM Ryan LaRue and sophomore Jack Egan – three caused turnovers each — were tone-setters on the back end. Sophomore M Cole Stock and senior M Ronan Beanie won 11 of 18 at the faceoff X to assume steady control at midfield while senior G Kevin Feeley (8 saves) kept Fox Lane in check throughout.

The season opened on Tuesday, March 24, at Scarsdale with a collective gut punch for an unflinching Wolf Pac outfit eventually forced to deal with a 9-8 setback. Mahopac, which went down 4–1 before the offense had even settled in, was up against it versus the Section 1 Class A runner-up, but this group proved it doesn’t fold. They clawed their way back, possession by possession, until the halftime horn sounded with a hard-earned 5–4 deficit that felt more like momentum than a setback.

The third quarter was a swing of pure grit. Midway through the frame, the Wolf Pac surged ahead 7–6, the sideline buzzing as the energy shifted. Scarsdale — ranked in the LoHud preseason top 10 — kept throwing punches, but the Wolf Pac took shots to the chin and sustained. Then came the moment that lit up the stadium: the rookie Saracco, cool as a veteran, ripped a beauty from the right wing to tie it 8–8. The bench erupted. The comeback felt real.

But in the waning moments, the Raiders found a crease, buried the go-ahead goal, and bled the clock dry. It was a hard-fought battle, wire to wire, against one of the section’s best.

O’Keefe (4G, 1A), again, led the way. Jones (3A) was dishing. Bobby Egan (1G, 2A) and Saracco (3G) helped forge the comeback effort. Connor Behun, LaRue, Jack Egan and Sully Hunter were gobbling GBs and forcing turnovers on the back end while Feeley made 13 saves in the cage.

This wasn’t a loss — as much as it was a statement – one the Wolf Pac hope to build upon in future games when they host Clarkstown South on March 30 and then visit Lakeland/Panas on April 1 (both games are noon starts). With senior captain Bryam Margolis nearing a return from his torn ACL, the Wolf Pac are poised to gain a significant offensive spark. His presence alone changes the geometry of the field, and his leadership should elevate an already confident group.