On its home field Friday, Mount Saint Joseph suffered another defeat to perennial conference power Boys’ Latin.

But this time was different.

The Gaels pushed the Lakers to the limit before falling by a goal, 11-10. Unlike other seasons, they went into the game firmly believing they could win.

“Tough loss, definitely hurt,” Gaels senior goalie Austin Slade said. “But, afterward, we definitely realized we are right there, and we really believe we can hang no matter who we play in this league now.”

Since the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference started in 1996, Mount Saint Joseph has never qualified for the six-team playoffs. This year, the surging Gaels (7-3) are ranked No. 7 with a 2-2 conference mark as they reach the midway point. Last year, they went 2-8 in the league, including a 15-7 loss to Boys’ Latin.

Coach Tyler Reid, who took over in 2020, lists several factors for his team’s early success. The Gaels have a good cast of veteran players who compete hard and were involved in close games last season. The coaching staff made effective adjustments during the offseason and game-by-game preparations. And it’s a group that enjoys being together and has a shared commitment.

Slade has been the defensive rock in the cage with Brody Reese, Nick Kern, Ryan Currie and Grady Rippeon serving as captains. Another vital component has been the scout team, led by reserves Jake Bosica and Braeden Michael.

After the Gaels claimed a sturdy 8-4 win over St. Paul’s on April 4, Reese, a senior defenseman who successfully contained Crusaders’ standout attackman Luke Bair, was quick to mention the work of the scout team during practice going into the game.

Reid praised the scout team’s attention to detail.

“They give us a great look, and people don’t realize the significance of that role and how it translates to our success on the field,” he said. “We prepare at the highest level for the competition level we are playing, and we want to make sure that our starting unit is ready and these guys are putting in countless hours of study to replicate what other teams are doing. The guys in the locker room recognize it.”

Currently, Spalding, Calvert Hall, McDonogh and Boys’ Latin are all 4-1 with the Gaels, Loyola Blakefield, Gilman and St. Paul’s next in the standings with 2-2 records.

What would it mean to make the playoffs?

“That’s definitely the big talk in the locker room, making the playoffs this year. It’s our main goal coming in to each and every day,” Slade said. “It would be amazing. We haven’t been in the playoffs since the 1980s, so it would be huge for the whole program, the alumni. Everybody will be talking about it.”

Gattie brothers make their mark at Severn: National Sibling Day was on Thursday, but the Gattie brothers — senior twins Casey and Tristan, junior Kevin and sophomore Connor — are making sure to celebrate every day they share the field in a special season at Severn.

The foursome can be found all over the field. Casey, who serves as a captain, is a defenseman along with Connor. Tristan is a short-stick midfielder with Kevin playing on attack.

Casey, Tristan and Connor are also part of the Admirals’ man-down unit.

“It’s really unique to have four brothers on the team at the same time, all within a three-year window,” Severn’s first-year coach Keegan Wilkinson said. “They’re great kids and they bring intensity to the team. They’re fierce competitors, especially Casey as the senior leader and Tristan.”

More siblings to look up to at McDonogh: The defending league champion Eagles have several players with older college-playing brothers and sisters who have set an important example.

Brendan Millon’s brother, McCabe, is a starting attackman at Virginia. Eli Schaller’s brother, Will, is a starting defenseman for Maryland. Jake Hilgartner’s brother, Scotty, plays at Brown. Bogue Hahn’s two sisters, Frannie and Josie, play at Florida. Drew London’s sister, McKenna, plays at Brown. Michael Tan’s sister, Bella, plays at San Diego State. James Tolker’s brother, Henry, plays at Navy. And Jeff Ciano’s brother, Chris, plays at Washington College.

Spalding’s statement: After opening conference play with a tough 10-9 loss at No. 3 Boys’ Latin, Spalding has rattled off four straight wins, averaging 14 goals per game. The latest was the biggest, as the No. 4 Cavaliers (11-1) beat three-time defending league champion and No. 2 McDonogh, 14-9, on Friday. The Eagles (8-4) went into the game as the last unbeaten team in league play.

One-goal games prove plentiful: At the halfway point of conference play, eight of the 25 games have been decided by one goal, including three overtime decisions.

On Friday, No. 11 Gilman was coming off an 11-10 loss to Mount Saint Joseph and dramatically turned the tables with a resilient 15-14 win over No. 12 Severn that took two overtimes.

The Greyhounds (3-8) rallied from a five-goal fourth quarter deficit with senior Jay Rodgers’ fifth goal of the game providing the difference.

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