Submitted by Kathryn Rizzo
(April 21, 2026) — The Haddam-Killingworth High School Boys Lacrosse team continued its winning streak on April 18, 2026, with a 14-9 win against the number two Class S team, Granby Memorial, at home. A terrific game was played by both sides, with a fight right to the end.
The Cougars shone in maximizing opportunity in momentum-shifting moments, such as in the first quarter with a pass block by Finn O’Hanlon (Senior), cleared downfield to Ethan Pitts (Senior), with the assist to Spencer Savoy (Senior) for the goal. Throughout the game, the Cougars defensive pressure on Granby led to ten pass interceptions or blocks (as noted by this fan) and a total of seven saves by Colin Civiello (Sophomore). By halftime, the Cougars were leading by six goals.
To start the third quarter, Granby Memorial came out showing that they weren’t beaten yet, getting another two goals. But the Cougars didn’t slow down. With 2:20 left in the quarter Tetsu Imai (Senior) and Kellen Cassidy (Seniorr) kept the pressure on Granby’s offense, blocking a shot by Granby, which recovered the ball and scored. At the mid-field face-off, Declan Moriarty (Senior) recovered the ground ball and sprinted downfield for an unassisted goal with 1:23 left in the quarter. To end the quarter, Moriarty blocked a Granby pass, keeping the momentum in favor of HKHS with a 12-5 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Granby continued to show game toughness, bringing on the heat with seven shots on goal, four hitting the mark and three saves by Civiello. With Granby within striking distance at 12-9 with 6:04 left in the game, Cougars Coach Fred Federico called the timeout. It was just what was needed for the team to settle and rally for a game- ending push. Coming out of the timeout, O’Hanlon took the ball in and got the touch before passing to Savoy who drew the foul from Granby. HKHS ball possession was quickly maximized, with a pass from Kody Lehet (Junior) to John Moyher (Senior), back to Lehet who connected with Savoy to score. Granby kept their press on with two more shots on goal, both saved by Civiello and ending the game 14 to 9 in favor of HKHS.
Terrific play was demonstrated by both teams, neither of which let up, with the win bringing the Cougars record to 4-0 for the season.
Photos by Anthony Pizzorusso
