ACTON — The race toward a sixth consecutive Division 1 boys’ lacrosse championship is officially underway for top-ranked St. John’s Prep.
The Eagles trounced No. 3 Acton-Boxborough, 13-1, in their season opener Saturday at Leary Field. In a near-perfect performance, Prep (1-0) lost just a single faceoff, courtesy of a dominant showing by FOGO Will Crawford, who is committed to Providence.
“First game of the year, you never know what you’re going to get,” said SJP coach John Pynchon. “Early in the season it’s really all about yourself. I thought we did some really good stuff on offense, the goalies were outstanding, and Will Crawford was outstanding.”
Utah-bound attack Ryan McCarthy was the offensive star of the show, scoring five of his six goals in the first half. Once he broke through eight minutes into the contest, the score ballooned to 9-0 at the half.
The junior scored in a multitude of ways, uncorking a few from distance and showcasing his crafty fake close to the crease. He added two assists.
“He’s a natural goal scorer,” Pynchon said. “He’s got a great shot, he’s got a great ability to find open looks . . . [McCarthy] was outstanding.”
The Revolution had a bright start to the day, but it quickly slipped away once the goals started flying. Attack Thomas Quirk registered their lone tally.
Prep’s swift start was supplemented by starting goalie Max Putney, who made eight saves in the first half. Putney and Mattheus Du Plessis shared time in goal but had little to do in the latter two quarters.
“We’re always talking about starting fast, and all game, staying on the gas pedal and not letting off, and I think we did that,” McCarthy said.
Lafayette commit Bo Minogue completed a hat trick for the Eagles. Paul Kosinski and Beckett Lee each dished a pair of assists.
St. John’s Prep has lost just three times, and hasn’t fallen to a Massachusetts opponent, since May 4, 2023, against BC High.
“We had a lot of seniors last year and it was obviously an unbelievable team, but these guys are ready to take it over now,” McCarthy said. “It’s our time.”
Cameron Pellegrino can be reached at cameron.Pelegrino@globe.com. Follow him on X @cam_pellegrino.