Dialog reporter
BEAR – Garrett Cannon’s football career at Salesianum’s quarterback ended in November with him lying on the grass at Baynard Stadium with a broken leg, a dislocated ankle and tendon damage. He had to watch his teammates play the state championship game from a wheelchair on the sidelines at Delaware Stadium.
He worked his way back to be ready to go for the lacrosse season, and on Saturday night, he scored three times – including No. 1 Salesianum’s opening and closing goals of the contest – to help lead the Sals to a 16-7 win over sixth-seeded Appoquinimink for the state title at Bob Peoples Stadium at Caravel Academy. It was the school’s eighth championship.
“We weren’t sure what the timeline was exactly for when I’d be back,” Cannon said after the final horn sounded and Salesianum collected its trophy. “They said it could be three to six months. We kept shooting for three months. It put me right about March 1st.
“I was just a role player in the beginning, did my part, and then it all came together.”
He helped set the tone just two minutes and change into the first quarter, taking a feed from Mike Drake and getting the scoring started.
“Scoring that first and last goal, it’s unbelievable. It’s all because of my teammates. None were unassisted. It’s an amazing feeling, especially being back-to-back state champions.”
That first goal began a competitive first quarter during which Salesianum twice had leads erased by Jaguars sniper Cross Ferrara. His second goal, less than a minute after Drake had given the Sals a 2-1 advantage, was a thing of beauty, as he curled around the net and snuck on under goalie Brady Emmi.
The Sals responded with three straight, but Ferrara completed the hat trick with just four seconds remaining in the first, this time using a Sallies defender as a screen and beating the goalie high. But that would be the closest the Jaguars would get.
Salesianum effectively put the game away in the second, outscoring Appoquinimink, 7-0, for the commanding 12-3 halftime lead. The Sals’ defensive pressure was relentless, causing numerous Jags turnovers, and they took advantage. Luke Bianchino scored one of his three goals off a steal, and Brett Hobbs netted his first after Appo coughed up yet another ball. The Sals rushed end-to-end throughout the quarter, and the Jaguars simply had no answers.
“Appo’s a great team. They had a great season. We knew if we wanted to come out with a ‘W’ we had to play fast and play together,” Bianchino said.
“We like playing in spurts. As much momentum as we can get in our favor,” he added.
John Dunbar ended Appoquinimink’s scoring drought in the first minute of the third quarter, but Cannon – playing with 10 screws and a metal plate in his surgically repaired ankle – got that back a minute later. Salesianum slowed the game down in the second half, drawing out possessions and working the clock. Coach Bob Healy was able to get most of his roster into the game with the outcome no longer in doubt.
Cannon said Salesianum’s schedule – which this season included just three teams from Delaware – was only a help to the team. Some of the teams they play have no restrictions on when they can practice, or they are able to play in nice weather year-round. That pushes the players to work harder in the offseason and at practice, Cannon said. Testing themselves against high-caliber foes shows the coaches have confidence in them, and it helps build the players’ confidence, he continued.
“We have that experience under our belt of the best competition in the country, so if we can play with them, we can play with anyone,” he said.
After the game, family members and other Sallies supporters made their way to the turf to celebrate with the players. Healy mentioned that a number of alumni who couldn’t be at the game had sent their well wishes, inclulding one former player who Skyped the team earlier Saturday from Bosnia, where he is stationed with the Marines. Bianchino said the team appreciates the support.
“Salesianum’s been my family for four years, Salesianum lacrosse especially, so it really does mean the world to me,” he said.
Ferrara finished with a game-high four goals. The Jaguars upset No. 3 Wilmington Friends and No. 2 Tower Hill to become the first Blue Hen Conference team to reach the final since 1993. They finished 14-5.
Cannon and Bianchino each scored three times for Salesianum. The Sals ended the season 16-3 and with another piece of hardware to fit inside the school’s crowded trophy cases.
