The boys varsity lacrosse team entered Wednesday night with the opportunity to make FHC history by capping off an undefeated regular season.

In order to do so, the boys had to take care of business against a state-renowned Detroit Catholic Central squad. They would also have to do it without Crandall Quinn, the team’s superstar in the net. 

The Rangers perfectly executed the “next-man-up” mentality, as senior Mac Boike got the start in goal and held down the fort for all 48 minutes. With help from the back lines, Mac allowed just six goals in FHC’s record-breaking 9-6 victory. 

“As a backup goalie, you never know when you might get thrown into the ring,” head coach Andy Shira said. “I called Mac in the morning and had a nice talk with him about just playing his game, not trying to do too much, and relaxing.” 

It was the senior’s first career start and it couldn’t have turned out any better. 

“[Mac] came to play,” coach Shira added. “I’m so proud of him and happy he got that win as a senior.”

He obviously had a lot of help. The Ranger defense was doing its job and the offense was quick to respond to anything the Shamrocks threw its way. There’s no doubt that the outside heat was a factor, so the boys’ ability to possess the ball for long stretches is what ultimately tired DCC out. 

Sophomore Luke Wedder was a crucial piece in the win. He seemed to control the face-off game, giving way more time for the offense to probe through the Shamrock defense. 

When all was said and done, the Rangers walked away with a three-point victory. It was truly an all-around effort, starting on the defensive end with tremendous grit and patience going the other way. They understood that this didn’t need to be a shootout.  

“These guys wanted to make FHC history by becoming the first team to go undefeated,” coach Shira said. “That’s never a goal we set as a team but the kids have been talking about it and used it as motivation.”

FHC will need to stay motivated from here on out with the season on the line in every game. The state playoffs begin for the Rangers at Byron Center on Wednesday, May 25, with a 5:00 PM matchup with either Caledonia or Byron. 

“Now, we need to do it again five more times and finish this season off where we want to be,” coach Shira said.