Drip Lacrosse dominant against Westlake

Dripping Spring Springs High School Lacrosse hosted Westlake B last Thursday winning big in one of the most complete games they’ve played this year. Senior LSM Noah Chomout entered the game as the Hammer Practice Player of the Week and was also voted defensive team captain.

March 7 blew in with high humidity and breezes but the rain, which seemed to threaten all day, graciously bowed out for the 8:15 p.m. gametime. Two hours before the game, the team gathered for a parent boosters-hosted meal and some game planning. They were prepared, easy spirited and seemed ready to face what has historically been one of the better coached and prepared teams in Central Texas Lacrosse, Westlake. Westlake B’s team entered this game with a 1-3 record in nondistrict play.

Unlike several of the previous games this year, Drip put up the first points. The first score was a middistance heater from senior midfielder Truman Householder. It foreshadowed what would turn out to be an epic night for Householder, who would notch his first hat trick enroute to five goals scored. “Before the game today, I spent an hour at home just playing ball and shooting, which shows,” he said.

When asked about how this team is different from others he’s been a part of, Householder replied, “This team as a whole is about having the same mindset. I feel that everyone appreciates being here. There’s a deep appreciation for the game.” Householder is on fire and his mindset seems contagious.

Chomout, senior faceoff midfielder Brandon Magat, senior midfielder Deacon Ivey, senior midfielder Owen Davis and senior attackman Kyle Parker all contributed first half points, resulting in a 8-1 first half lead.

The second half went much like the first, except Parker, who was relatively quiet in the first half, erupted for six goals, totaling seven goals for the evening, a new personal single game record. Junior attackman AJ Deer, junior midfielders Brady Taylor and Tucker Walls also got in on the action with scores and assists of their own.

When asked about how the team prepared for Westlake, Parker replied, “It was everyone going harder in practice, for sure. This is definitely the new standard for practicing the way we want to play.”

Drip sure can score. One of the reasons has been the ability to win at face-offs, resulting in frequent offensive possessions and shots on goal. The one-two punch of senior faceoff midfielder Lucas Willingham and Magat was overpowering. Willingham had a near perfect faceoff performance with 10 wins and only one loss.

The Drip defense was also lit, forcing turnovers, repeatedly. On six occasions, Drip prevented Westlake from clearing the ball. Nearly a dozen times, Drip defense forced Westlake clock violations due to their inability to transition or shoot the ball. The final score was 17-3, Drip.

It seems new defensive assistant coach Jack Fournier is having a big impact. In all Texas High School Lacrosse districts Class B or higher, Drip’s defense is currently seventh, allowing only 6.6 points/game. Only Westlake A, Highland Park, Southlake, Woodlands, Friendswood, and Katy allow fewer.

After Spring Break, Drip hosts Anderson High School at 8:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 20. After the Anderson game, the following four weeks are all on the road, where Drip will face some of its toughest competition this year and kick off district play.