Section 1: Somers Outduels Wantagh in Signature State Playoff Win

For the first time since 2019, Section 1 lacrosse took down Long Island on the state stage.   Since 2019, Section 1 lacrosse teams have not beaten any Long Island team in the NYSPHSAA playoffs. The last time this happened was in 2019 when John Jay beat Manhasset 11 - 10 in the Class B Semi-finals, and when Briarcliff beat Mattituck 10 - 3 in the Class D Semi-finals. That changed Saturday afternoon at Charlie Murphy Field in Yorktown Heights, where Somers flipped the script with a resounding 21-14 win over Nassau County's Wantagh in the NYSPHSAA Class C regional final. In doing so, the Tuskers not only punched their ticket to the state semifinals, but they also earned the region its first postseason victory over a Long Island opponent since 2019.   Somers left no doubt from the opening faceoff. Energized and efficient, the Tuskers raced out to a 3-0 lead within the first few minutes, led by Miguel Iglesias, who scored two goals before Wantagh could settle in. By the end of the first quarter, Somers had built a 7-2 lead, playing with pace, poise, and total confidence.   Wantagh, the Section 8 champions, entered the contest with a reputation for postseason toughness and offensive depth. They began to claw back late in the second quarter and cut the deficit to 10-5 by halftime. Early in the third, they closed to within four goals at 11-7, briefly threatening to flip the momentum.   But Somers responded with a defining stretch of play. The Tuskers reeled off four straight goals to reestablish control, anchored by the explosive play of Tristan Iglesias, who finished the game with five goals and one assist. That surge effectively sealed the contest and signaled that this was a different kind of Section 1 team, one built not just to compete with Long Island, but to beat them.   Somers' offense operated at a high level throughout the game, driven by trust, chemistry, and crisp ball movement. Miguel Iglesias orchestrated much of the attack, finishing with 3 goals and 4 assists. Mason Kelly added 4 goals of his own, while Cam Violante and Matt Mayfield each contributed multiple points in support. Mayfield was also dominant at the faceoff X, winning 31 of 35 draws and allowing Somers to dictate tempo from start to finish.   Wantagh had its own share of firepower, particularly from [player_tooltip player_id='82355' first='Joe' last='Nicholson'], who poured in 5 goals and 1 assist. He was aided by Carter Loughran (2 goals, 3 assists) and Sean Stachlick (3 goals), as the Warriors fought to stay within reach. But Somers' balanced scoring and midfield depth gave them an edge in every critical phase.   A major factor in Somers' performance was its composure. Despite Wantagh's periodic surges, the Tuskers never lost their rhythm. Their ability to play within structure, hit open teammates in stride, and execute in key moments reflected a program that has learned from past postseason setbacks and is now prepared for the pressure of June lacrosse.   Many of Somers' key players are two-sport athletes who have already played in championship-level environments, most notably in football, where Somers has won three consecutive state titles. That winning pedigree carried over on Saturday, as the team demonstrated the mental toughness, preparation, and maturity needed to rise to the moment.   It has been 15 years since Somers lacrosse last reached this level of success, and now, the Tuskers are two wins away from a state championship. With a record of 17-3 and a convincing win over a Long Island champion, they are not just representing Section 1, they are redefining its ceiling.   For Wantagh, the loss brings an end to a strong 15-5 campaign. The Warriors showed resilience and flashed the scoring depth that carried them through a competitive Nassau County slate. But they were unable to match Somers' energy early or slow their balanced offensive attack. As is often the case in state tournament games, faceoffs proved critical, and Wantagh struggled to generate possessions consistently in the second half.   This game marks a broader moment for Section 1 lacrosse. Long Island has long been regarded as the standard in New York high school lacrosse. Programs from Nassau and Suffolk County routinely advance deep into the postseason and often dominate the semifinals and finals. Section 1 teams, despite producing college-level talent and housing passionate communities, have often fallen short when matched up against those Long Island juggernauts.   Saturday's result challenges that narrative. It demonstrates that, at least in Class C, the gap is narrowing. With programs like Somers building year-round systems, investing in development, and producing multi-sport athletes who compete at high levels, the region is beginning to catch up.   What stood out most about Somers wasn't just the win, it was how they won. From start to finish, they played with tempo, confidence, and purpose. They moved the ball decisively, trusted their teammates, and showed a clear understanding of what it takes to win on the biggest stage.   On the defensive side, Hudson Ruby provided stability in net with 9 saves, backing a defensive unit that communicated well and held strong during Wantagh's runs. Though the Tuskers did allow 14 goals, many came in unsettled or man-down situations. In settled 6-on-6 play, Somers did well to limit high-quality looks and push the ball back in transition.   Heading into the state semifinals, Somers will need to maintain that same formula. Clean faceoff work, multi-pronged scoring, composed defense, and relentless pace. The road ahead includes matchups with other regional champions, each bringing their own strengths, but Somers has proven it can impose its style against high-level opponents.   With Saturday's win, the Tuskers became the face of Section 1 lacrosse's resurgence. They carry the flag into the next round with the knowledge that they've already done what no team from the region has done in five years, beat Long Island. And they did it convincingly.   There is still more to accomplish, but this victory will be remembered. Not just for what it meant to Somers, but for what it represents for all of Section 1. A win over Long Island, once a dream, is now a reality. And with a performance like this, it might just be the beginning.   Final Score at the NYSPHSAA Class C Regional Final: Somers 21, Wantagh 14    A dynamic Sophomore attackman from Somers, Iglesias isn't just next up for the Somers team, he is a key contributor in this team's success. Iglesias exploded for 5 goals and 1 assist in the regional final, repeatedly finding holes in the defense and finishing under pressure. Even though he is a sophomore, he's garnered attention for his high-level scoring ability on the big stage. He's shown poise beyond his years and could become an early target for DI programs.     A Notre Dame commit, Miguel showcased both his scorer and facilitator roles with 3 goals and 4 assists. Ranked #35 nationally in the class of 2025, he dominated both ends and drove Somers' offensive rhythm. His two-way play and club pedigree with Prime Time strengthen his elite status.     A Brown University commit, Kelly provided a scoring punch with 4 goals and relentless energy off the ball. Known for his athleticism in both football and lacrosse, he turned looks into goals consistently. His performance reinforced his reputation as a high-IQ, hard-nosed midfielder.     In the New York State Class C Regional Final, Violante chipped in 1 goal and 2 assists, displaying accurate shooting and playmaking ability in traffic. His game sense and willingness to find open teammates stood out in a high-pressure regional final. He's a high-motor player primed for college-level opportunities.     Somer's face-off specialist Matthew Mayfield dominated the X, winning an astounding 31 of 35 draws, and added offense with a goal and 2 assists. He passed 500 career FO wins earlier in the season, a sign of sustained dominance. His performance ensured Somers managed transition and possession throughout.     In the New York State Class C Regional Final, Kennedy was an impact defender and also delivered a key goal during Somers' offensive surge, showcasing versatility at close defense and in transition. A Lafayette commit, his hustle and composure under the clear show his readiness for collegiate play. He brings composure and reliability in tightly contested games.     In the New York State Class C Regional Final, Ruby stood tall in goal with 9 saves, sparking several crucial transitions and providing confidence to the defense. His situational awareness and rebound control were vital in keeping Wantagh's scoring in check. A performance like this elevates his status for near-term recruitment visibility.     In the New York State Class C Regional Final, Stachlick scored 3 goals while playing aggressively at the attack, consistently cutting through Somers' defense. A junior with a strong junior year in Nassau lacrosse, his scoring instincts and timing open recruiting doors. Solid performance in a high-stakes regional final.     A Villanova-bound midfielder, Nicholson was at his best in the regional final, racking up 5 goals and 1 assist. He repeatedly stepped up with clutch scoring during Wantagh's comeback attempts. A key piece of their offensive identity, he proved he can finish under playoff pressure.     In the New York State Class C Regional Final, Loughman contributed 2 goals and 3 assists, showing high field vision and the ability to make plays at crucial moments. At 6'3” and a standout for Wantagh's Igloo club, he's developing into a complete midfielder with both scoring and facilitating upside. His multi-point outing highlighted his potential for higher-level opportunities.     In the New York State Class C Regional Final, Giacobello notched 1 goal and 2 assists, helping to orchestrate Wantagh's ball movement. His playmaking intelligence and off-ball positioning were evident as he looked to maintain offensive flow. A dependable contributor in attack.     In the New York State Class C Regional Final, Venne added a goal, demonstrating his ability to provide spark plays when it matters. A Johnson & Wales commit, his situational awareness and quick stick will translate well to collegiate play. His regional final goal underscores readiness for college minutes.     In the New York State Class C Regional Final, Martini logged 1 goal, showcasing relentlessness riding through the wing and finishing under contest. His motor and willingness to get possessions highlight a blue-collar midfielder trait. With more consistent production, he could emerge on the recruit radar.

For the first time since 2019, Section 1 lacrosse took down Long Island on the state stage.