Gilford was amazing in cage for Westfield this season, totaling well over 230 saves on the year and helping his team win back-to-back state titles in his final two seasons, proving to be an integral part in that success. He recorded over 10 saves on the day and helped the Blue Devils get out to a 2-0 lead early in the game, denying multiple chances from the opposition and with the defensive unit playing solid man-down defense. Gilford tracks the ball well and doesn’t give up too many easy goals and does a good job of turning players away on the doorstep as he did multiple times throughout the Kirst Cup games. He came up with huge stops vs. Summit in the semifinal as they won in 2OT and also made some big saves when he had to late in the final round to give his offense another chance.

Westfield conquered Summit and climbed to the top of the mountain in Union County for the first time since 2017 in a thriller, with a solid offensive contribution from senior attackman Colin Coyle Colin Coyle 6'1" | A Westfield | 2025 NJ , but defensively junior defender Ben Seward Ben Seward 5'9" | LSM Westfield | 2026 NJ tallied 2 goals and senior goaltender Corey Gilford Corey Gilford 5'11" | G Westfield | 2025 NJ came up with save after save, recording 19 saves in both games to keep the Blue Devils alive. He is an athletic player with high lacrosse IQ and a fearlessness between the pipes. The senior goalie has quick hands and good footwork with a good, hard step to the ball and the ability to get low and across the goal quickly. Already with 176 saves on the season, Gilford has been a brick wall for the Blue Devils and is a big reason why they hoisted the county trophy and will be a big reason why, if they end up with a state title once again this season.

Gilford was exceptional in net for the eventual tournament champions. They had the first game at 8am on Saturday and he was out there coming up with saves left and right. During their semifinal game against LI Express 2025 Davis, he anchored the defense and made some great saves on tough shots. He was able to shut out LI Express in the 4th quarter to allow his offense to make a late comeback. In the finals, he came out hot early and then again pitched a shutout in the 4th already with a lead vs Blak Widow 2025. He takes command, has great communication in net, and makes clutch saves when his team needs him the most.