By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/8/18
Shipley School senior Griff Gallagher knows the full meaning of the Checking for Cancer Tournament.
“This tournament is really big to us; my dad (Dan) was diagnosed with prostate cancer early because of the tournament about 8 years ago and by catching it early he has recovered and is cancer free,” said Gallagher a senior midfielder.
Shipley’s Griff Gallagher (left) and Henry Reed
Saturday at Shipley’s Farm Fields, Gallagher made his father proud by scoring two of his three goals in the last period when the Gators (4-1) rallied from a 9-6 deficit and won, 12-11, over rival Harriton in overtime on a goal by Henry Reed.
The contest was one of four played at the Farm Fields and one of eight overall in a tourney that was in its 10th year and raises awareness and funds to educate the community on early detection of prostate, colorectal and testicular cancers.
While some of the games feature nationally-ranked squads, the Shipley-Harriton contest was an old-fashioned dogfight between two rivals located only a few miles apart. And few of the games in the 10 years could have matched this one for even play and excitement.
Harriton (2-4) took an 11-9 lead on a goal by Leo Wackerman (2 goals) with 1:54 to play off a Charlie Veasey (3g, 2a) feed. But defenseman Will Drake (12 GBs, 5 takeaways) went coast to coast for a goal 23 seconds later and Josh Gallia tied it with :38 to play.
Overtime didn’t last long. Reed (3g ,2a, 9/15 FO, 2TA) won the draw, took it to goal and tallied the game-winner 12 seconds into the extra frame when he converted a feed from Luke Grayum (3g, 2a).
Shipley acted like it had won a championship, celebrating wildly after Reed’s goal.
Harriton coach Joe Proud gives instructions
“It’s mental preparation,” said Reed. “You look forward to those moments since you’re little. To do it against a rival like Harriton, it’s awesome.
“I figured we had possession, here’s our chance to do it now. Luke and I have that chemistry. I knew he was going to throw it. All I had to do was put it in. It’s fun to be able to win this time.”
Both Reed and Gallagher said competing in this event is special.
“The lacrosse played at Checking for Cancer features some of the best matchups in the country this weekend,” said Reed. “For us to be a part of it is great. The atmosphere so much bigger than normal; we had great game fans support.”
“You could tell how excited we were about winning,” added Gallagher. “This has been a big rivalry for us. We exchange wins and losses, lost to them on Senior Day last year (11-6). The defense came up with some big stops and the offense kept rolling in the fourth quarter.”
Michael Stewart scored three goals and Ben Schall added a pair for the Rams while Robbie DePetris had 12 saves in goal.
“It was a heartbreaker for us today but a great game and great cause to be a part of,” Harriton coach Joe Proud said. “Both teams played hard from start to finish and both teams made some great plays.
“Shipley just made the last one. Our goalie, Robbie DePetris, played a stellar game in the net to keep it so tight. Hats off to Coach Duncan and his squad for the win.”
Said Harriton coach Mark Duncan: “We look forward to this game; it’s one of the games we circle on the schedule. A lot of the kids grew up playing in Ashbee or club.
Shipley coach Mark Duncan draws up the game-tying goal
“We love hosting it; it’s been a few years now. It’s an honor. It was a fun crowd and the weather changed (from early forecasts of snow). What;s better than winning in overtime? It’s always great to play against Coach Proud; he is from Western New York at West Gennie and I am from Ward Melville (on Long Island). It’s New York West vs East for us. I am happy to get the win; the boys dug down deep.”
Shipley School 12, Harriton 11, OT
Harriton 3-3-2-3 -0 11
Shipley 2-3-1-5-1 – 12
Harriton
Charlie Veasey 3G 2A 4gbs
Michael Stewart 3G
Ben Schall 2G
Leo Wackerman 2G
Brian Stewart 1G 1A 1 cto 4 gbs
Ethan Rodgers 1A 1cto 5 gbs
Robbie DePetris 1A
Ben Tishgart 17/28 FO 4 gbs
Robbie DePetris 15 saves
Defense led by Aedan McKenna 1 cto and 1gb, and Jackson Sanders
Shipley School
Luke Grayum 3g, 2a
Henry Reed 3g,2a, 9 of 15 FO, 2 TA, GW 12 seconds into OT
Griff Gallagher 3g, 3a
Randall Brown 1g, 1a
Will Drake 1g, 12 GB, 5 TA
Josh Gallia 1g
Nate Yi 9 saves
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