BOSTON – Last year in the Boston City League championship, Latin Academy endured a heart-pounding finish on its way to a shootout victory.
Yesterday was far less dramatic for Dragons, but it yielded the same result.
The outcome was never in doubt as Latin Academy dominated O’Bryant in a 5-0 rout to capture the Dragons’ third straight BCL title at Matthews Arena.
“Last year was a battle and it was good to win,” said senior Donovan LaMonica, who was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player. “We learned the importance of winning the city championship, so coming in this year we really knew it was something we needed to get done.”
Latin Academy (10-11-1) built a commanding lead midway through the first period when Tim Guerard, Zach Maffeo and Brendan Butler each scored in a 2:25 span for a 3-0 lead.
The Dragons kept up the offensive pressure – they outshot O’Bryant, 42-10 – in the second period with Joe Loewen scoring two minutes into the frame.
LaMonica capped off the impressive showing by becoming the fifth different goal-scorer for the Dragons with a third-period tally.
“We ran four lines and everyone did their part and chipped away,” said Latin Academy coach Patrick Mudie. “I thought we played good team systems. It’s what we preach all year and hopefully it gives us some momentum going into the state tournament.”
O’Bryant’s brother goalie tandem of Evan and Dylan Stegeman, who combined to make 37 saves, played well in net to prevent an even more lopsided outcome.
But for the Tigers, getting to the BCL title game was an accomplishment in itself. It was the first time since 1999 that Latin Academy played someone besides East Boston in the title bout.
“They were all very excited about playing and for the younger guys, it’s something for them to strive for,” said O’Bryant coach Joe Natola.
