FORT MILL, SC – On a night when most area prep sports were postponed due to inclement weather, Nation Ford and Ardrey Kell high schools faced off in a fast-paced, high-scoring lacrosse game Monday night. A blistering start propelled the Ardrey Kell Knights to a 17-12 victory over the Nation Ford Falcons in a rain-soaked, high-octane lacrosse matchup. Ardrey Kell’s offense exploded out of the gate, scoring three goals in less than two minutes, setting the tone for a game filled with rapid-fire scoring.
The Knights’ dominant early face-off performance, in stark contrast to Nation Ford’s struggles, allowed them to dictate the pace. Despite Trevor Keaton’s goal for Nation Ford, making it 3-1, Ardrey Kell’s staunch defense and quick transitions kept the Falcons at bay. The Knights capitalized on a man-down opportunity, extending their lead to 4-1.
Nation Ford, however, began to find their rhythm. Quinn Tauzin sparked a comeback, scoring two quick goals to narrow the gap to 4-3. A turnover on the face-off led to an Ardrey Kell breakaway, pushing the lead back to 5-4. Nation Ford’s Josh Ameo responded off of a face-off win, scoring his first of the evening.
The first quarter was a whirlwind of goals, with both teams trading blows. Ardrey Kell finished the quarter with a tight 6-5 lead, thanks in part to Trevor Keaton’s second goal for the Falcons. Nation Ford’s face-off woes seemed to subside as Nation Ford’s Dylan Ross, perhaps shaking off early game jitters, began to win crucial possessions.
The second quarter saw Nation Ford claw their way back. Ameo tied the game at 7 with 4:33 remaining, but Ardrey Kell quickly regained the lead, pushing it to 9-7. Holden Kestenbaum, assisted by Ameo, narrowed the gap again, sending the teams into halftime with Ardrey Kell leading 9-8.
Ardrey Kell came out strong after the break, scoring early to extend their lead to 10-8. Ameo continued his impressive performance, scoring again to keep Nation Ford within striking distance. However, a Nation Ford man-down penalty on Ross proved costly. Ardrey Kell capitalized, going on a scoring spree, pushing their lead to 16-9 by the end of the third quarter.
The Knights’ offensive efficiency, particularly around the goal, proved too much for Nation Ford’s defense. Despite late goals from Ameo and Tauzin, the Knights maintained control. Ameo added several goals in the 4th, and Tauzin scored with 18 seconds remaining, but it was too little too late.
Ardrey Kell’s early dominance and consistent offensive pressure ultimately secured a 17-12 victory. The Knights’ ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain composure throughout the high-scoring affair proved to be the difference.
Nation Ford are 4-2 overall and face Dutch Fork this Wednesday at home.
