Brooke Surpasses 100-Point Mark For Career
By Jeremy S. Franklin The Rockbridge County High School boys lacrosse team overcame a slow start to record a 20-9 road victory over Franklin County on Thursday evening.
John Brooke’s two goals and seven assists helped propel the Wildcats (2-2) to the win. Andrew Kelly notched six goals and one helper for RC, while Quincy Speers posted five goals and one assist. Grayden Brown contributed two goals and three assists, and Chase Pooley totaled 13 saves in goal.
The Eagles (3-3) put together a strong start, taking an early 5-2 lead and still holding a 5-3 advantage by the end of the first quarter. But the Wildcats turned the game around in the second period, outscoring FC 7-1 in the stanza to jump in front 10-6 by halftime.
“We had a lack of energy, both on the field and on the bench,” RC head coach Davey Jones said of his team’s first quarter. “Our defense wasn’t communicating, and we weren’t committed to our offense. The guys did a really nice job of recognizing that their energy levels and how we communicate are things that are very much within our control. I think we flipped the switch, and things went our way.”
RC stretched its lead to 16-9 by the end of the third period, and the ’Cats pulled away further by shutting out the Eagles 4-0 in the final frame.
Patrick Looney scored twice for the Wildcats. Parker Flint and Jayden Layman each registered one goal and one assist, and Avery McDaniel added one goal.
Brooke’s nine-point evening pushed him over the 100-point mark for his RC career. He has now totaled 102 points, with 72 of those coming on assists.
“I don’t think a stat line could better summarize a player,” Jones said about Brooke’s milestone. “That stat line is evidence of his unselfish style of play, his ability to see the field, and his playmaking spark. That’s the way we he leads, too; he’s looking to get guys involved.”
RC was slated to visit Hidden Valley on Monday. The Wildcats will return to action with a home date against Cave Spring next Wednesday, April 23, starting with the junior varsity contest at 5:30 p.m.
