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District lacrosse: Caden Riccardo powers Oxbridge Academy to title over St. John Paul II

alex peterman
·4 min read

WEST PALM BEACH – Oxbridge Academy boys lacrosse defeated visiting St. John Paul II 11-4 to win the District 13-1A championship Thursday night, powered by a dominant performance from senior Caden Riccardo.

Riccardo led the ThunderWolves with five goals, while Chris Lawrence contributed three goals to help lead Oxbridge in the victory.

Though the Eagles showed some resiliency in the third quarter behind a pair of comeback goals from Charlie Bublitz, it was not enough to threaten the ThunderWolves’ aspirations in the district finale.

Here are three takeaways from Oxbridge’s victory.

1. In wake of injuries, seniors rise to the occasion

In the last two weeks, the ThunderWolves have needed to address some injuries that affected their attack – and while there has certainly been development on that front, it was Oxbridge’s household names that really stepped up on Thursday.

“I think we’ve filled some gaps, but our seniors stepped up tonight,” Oxbridge head coach Stan Ross said. “Caden Riccardo played the best I’ve seen him play in his four years here tonight. Not only did he score goals and give out assists, he was the quarterback on the field.”

The Oxbridge Academy boys lacrosse team poses with their district title trophy following the team's 11-4 victory over visiting St. John Paul II on Thursday night on April 14, 2022.
The Oxbridge Academy boys lacrosse team poses with their district title trophy following the team's 11-4 victory over visiting St. John Paul II on Thursday night on April 14, 2022.

Among his five goals and an added bevy of assists, Riccardo completed his trademark move, coming from around the back of the net and firing a behind-the-back, no-look goal past the Eagles keeper.

“It’s just my go-to move when I come over the crease there,” Riccardo said. “And the slapshot goal is because I’m a big fan of hockey, too. That’s just the way I play.”

It came after teammate Colin Wade’s 34-yard shot from the boundary, further igniting the Oxbridge bench as they pushed their momentum in the first half.

On the defensive end, the ThunderWolves were nearly impenetrable for a large portion of the contest, and much of that is owed to the performance by senior Parker Fite in goal.

“The defense really just played out of their minds,” Fite said of the teammates around him. “And that’s what I’m here for. I stop balls.”

2. With regional hopes still alive, Eagles strive to overcome mistakes

While the Eagles showed fight in the third quarter, trimming the gap, it was an effort ultimately overshadowed by a runaway first half from the ThunderWolves’ attack.

“We made some mistakes tonight, and they capitalized on those mistakes,” St. John Paull II head coach Andrew Bolger said. “We turned the ball over in situations where it was vital. The kids played hard. They played harder. Tomorrow is another day.”

St. John Paul II's team captain, Landon Reichert, saves a shot on goal during Thursday's district championship game against Oxbridge Academy on April 14, 2022.
St. John Paul II's team captain, Landon Reichert, saves a shot on goal during Thursday's district championship game against Oxbridge Academy on April 14, 2022.

Despite the loss on Thursday, the Eagles’ season may not be over.

Heading into the districts, St. John Paul II was ranked eighth and the team’s success has buoyed their regional playoff hopes.

“I’m looking forward to working with these guys on Saturday morning,” Bolger said. “Everybody is 0-0 right now, if we get into the regionals.”

Should the Eagles advance, one likely option for their first round opponent would be a rematch with Oxbridge, who should enter regional play as the second seed.

Regardless of their opponent, Bolger knows some things need to improve from Thursday’s performance.

“I’d like to see us clear the ball better,” he said. "I’d like to see us take care of the ball on offense. If we stay out of the penalty box, I think we’ll be in much better shape.”

3. Oxbridge eyes rematch with top-ranked St. Andrew’s

Owning the other top spot in the regional bracket, the ThunderWolves won’t have a shot at St. Andrew’s until the finals and they both have to get there, first.

But the target has been very clearly defined. And as Riccardo said after Thursday’s game, it’s a target that has been there all season long.

“It feels good, but we’re not completely satisfied,” the senior said of winning districts. “Our main target is St. Andrew’s and it’s always St. Andrew’s. So, we’re really coming after them.”

Oxbridge lost to the No. 1 ranked St. Andrew’s by a thin margin in the regular season, falling to the Scots 9-7 on March 10.

Oxbridge Academy's Parker Fite holds steady in goal, ready to react to the shot from the Eagles' Charlie Bublitz. Bublitz led St. John Paul II with two goals on the night on April 14, 2022.
Oxbridge Academy's Parker Fite holds steady in goal, ready to react to the shot from the Eagles' Charlie Bublitz. Bublitz led St. John Paul II with two goals on the night on April 14, 2022.

But Ross and the ThunderWolves know it’s unwise to look past any opponents, especially in the playoffs.

And the possibility of facing St. John Paul II a third time in the first round of regionals is one Ross will keep an eye on.

“We could see them right back here next Wednesday, and three times in one season is tough,” he said. “They’re a really good team. They’re well-coached. They’ve got two very good defensemen that can go out and chase you to the parking lot.”

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Oxbridge Academy boys lacrosse too much for St. John Paul II in district final