By Andy Hutchison

FAIRFIELD — When the final buzzer sounded Sunday, Staples High boys lacrosse teammates spilled from the bench onto the field, sticks and gloves went flying, and a victory celebration unfolded on the Sacred Heart University turf. 

A season of hard work, overcoming adversity and coming together like family ended in the best way possible: a state title.

The Wreckers, seeded No. 2 in the Class L State Tournament, crushed No. 1 Fairfield Prep, 13-6, for their second state championship in a row.

Tyler Clark scored three goals and had a pair of assists to lead the offense. Sam Eigen, Ben Burmeister, Leo Sequenzia and Gavin Rothenberg all contributed goals and multiple-point performances. Adam Udell, Tristan Schafer and Michael Nealon all found the back of the net. Dixon Scherer had an assist, as did goaltender Josh Marcus, who launched a pass to Nealon to set up his tally in the fourth quarter.

The Wreckers led 4-2 at the half and built a 9-5 lead going to the fourth quarter. Prep scored early in the final stanza before the Wreckers quickly responded on Nealon’s goal. 

From there, the Wreckers dominated possession time, chewed the clock and pulled away with four unanswered goals.

The Wreckers made things tough on the Jesuits with stellar defense backed by Marcus, who made impressive saves throughout the afternoon.

“Our defense was tough today. There was nothing free in the crease,” Staples Coach Will Koshansky said.

The Jesuits were held to single digits for the first time this state playoff.

Koshansky said his team overcame a lot this year. “We had injuries, left and right,” he said, during their campaign to defend the state crown.

“The boys showed toughness. We talked about embracing the grind all year long,” Koshansky added.

A key to success was the team’s family-like culture, which included walks from the locker room to the field. 

Koshansky said the coaches walked with the players to the practice field each day and talked with them — not about lacrosse, but everyday stuff.

“We built some great bonds by doing that,” the head coach said.

And it didn’t hurt that the Wreckers possessed plenty of talent. “I think we have unbelievable players at every position,” said Koshansky, adding a great coaching staff put together tremendous game plans for each Wreckers’ opponent.

This recipe added up to a season that was enjoyable, despite little bumps along the way, start to finish.

”When it ends with a championship that makes it extra fun,” Koshansky said. “We’re very proud for the whole town of Westport.”

Andy Hutchison has been covering school sports — including Staples athletics — as well as news and feature stories in Fairfield County, since the 1990s.