WORTON — The idiom about getting back on the horse has nothing to do with horses.
It’s about trying again after a setback.
Five days after being beaten badly in its March 21 season opener, Kent County High School defeated North East of Cecil County, 8-4, behind five goals from senior midfielder Ethan Clark.
Sophomore long-stick midfielder Gabe Parr scooped up the ball off the draw and scored in the first minute to put KCHS on the fast track to victory.
The spread was 6-4 at halftime.
Peter Sine and Colin Fry also scored for the locals, who bounced back from the 20-0 lashing in their first game when they were without three starters.
KCHS received a solid effort from junior midfielder Stewart Hickman, who won the majority of face-offs, and the close defense of Lynden Saunders, Tucker Ervin, Danny Harris and lacrosse novice Dwan Harris.
David Daniels was credited with six saves.
“It was nice to notch a win [on Wednesday, March 26] after a tough opener and then a rainout on Monday,” said first-year head coach Ben Joiner, who notched his first win at his alma mater.
“The boys were ready to play and brought the energy today,” Joiner told The Evening Enterprise in a text message.
Joiner said KCHS was much improved in its rides and clears from the loss to reigning South Bayside Conference champion Stephen Decatur on opening day.
“We played disciplined lacrosse and limited penalties, so in that way we weren’t beating ourselves,” Joiner said.
But, “there are a bunch of fundamental things that we need to tighten up — ground balls, shooting, situational awareness on the offensive end, off-ball defense and recovery after slides. Our stick work needs to be better,” he said matter-of-factly.
Joiner anticipates that the Trojans will continue to improve with game experience.
This week, KCHS is home Wednesday, April 2 against Easton and then travels to border rival Queen Anne’s on Friday. Both games start at 4 p.m.
