Lacrosse Caps Home Schedule With Memorable Saturday

Lacrosse Players Line Up During the Program's Second Patriot Game

Justin Scott - Sports Reporter

15 March 2023

A firetruck, Military and hero themed jerseys, senior posters, banners, and a large crowd greeted fans at Saturday’s boys lacrosse game against Vicksburg. The drizzle that had blanketed the JV game prior had faded away and the sun poked out on senior day for the program, which additionally served as the program’s second annual Patriot Game.

A half hour before opening faceoff players walked in honor of a hero in their lives from a Military or first responder background.

"Our military and first responders protect and allow us to be able to have events like this. It’s a selfless task and it’s a very small way for us to say thank you.  Everyone seems to be feeling the excitement in the air with games like these," said program director Paul Lixie.

On the field, Andrew Rogers started off the scoring from a tight angle. The visitors from Vicksburg held together pretty well in a game they were the underdog the first two periods, leading 4-3 before Jackson Roudabush knotted the game at four a piece and Lowell went on a 6-0 run in the third quarter. A two minute non-releasable penalty against the Bulldogs late in the third helped Lowell get another goal and really solidify their hold on the game. Austin Parcheta at defensive midfield has been an important part of Lowell’s play lately, disrupting the opposition, causing turnovers, and coaches are eager to see him continue to see the Lowell junior improve.

Seniors Jace Blakely, Case Huisman, Morgan Kistler, Connor Lixie, Conor McDowell, CJ Steinebach, and Hunter Stepanovich were honored at halftime in their last home game as Lowell Lacrosse players.

A big lead at the end of a lacrosse game means you get to have some fun, as seniors went out and played positions they might not usually play. Senior Conor McDowell went from his defensive position to attack. Andrew Rogers normally attack switched to midfield. All in fun for Lowell, just trying to kill the clock. As Lowell went to kill clock, Blakely would find himself in front of the net, open, and fired one in. A memorable moment for a player not usually on the goal sheet. Final score was 15-4.

"We are hoping that our good second-half will give us confidence for our play-off game against Caledonia. We can play well as a team when we put our minds to it,” said Boys Lacrosse offensive coach Bill Lee.

Roudabush and Andrew Rogers each led Lowell with 4 goals followed by Teige Bredin, Blakely, Connor Lixie, Caden Cone, Weston Godbold, and Steinebach (2).


Custom jerseys for the game were made by local custom sports uniform provider RaizedUp, co-founded by LHS graduate Jason Welsch. The jerseys had the names of the players’ honorees on the back along with the logos of Military branches and first responder logos.

“My favorite part of the Patriot Game is uniting the community for a great cause, showing us all what it means to be a part of something truly special & larger than ourselves. Remembering the sacrifice & honoring the achievements of these great Americans helps us connect with our history & Honor the Game,” said Defensive Coach Jordan Nurmikko

Earlier in the week, Lowell lost 14-5 to Spring Lake, a game where the Red Arrows simply could not gain traction and struggled at times to get possession. Lowell trailed 3-2 in the second period with both goals scored by Connor Lixie, but the Lakers at home went on a 6-0 run aided by faceoff wins and turnovers. Andrew Rogers, CJ Steinebach, and Chris Rogers got on the scoresheet

The win against Vicksburg gives Lowell some confidence heading into the postseason. “It’s something we’ve known all season, this team is capable of playing at a very high level. They play with heart, it was great to see such a strong second half,” added Nurmikko

The Red Arrows drew the six-seed and will play third-seed Caledonia in the first round, an opponent Lowell went toe-to-toe with earlier this year. The first round MHSAA Regional game will be held at Caledonia on Friday, May 19th, at 6:00 pm.  Please note that admission is $7 for MHSAA Regional games.

“Our strong offensive players have been Connor Lixie, Weston Godbold and Andrew Rogers; we know they're going to produce some goals for us, but if we are to succeed in the playoffs, some of the other guys need to step up,” Lee concluded.

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