West York tops Red Lion in YAIAA boys' lacrosse semifinals
Related: Silk, Susquehannock knock off defending champion Central York
It's hard to imagine a greater highlight-reel goal than the one West York's Hunter Betz scored late in the third quarter of Tuesday's YAIAA boys' lacrosse semifinal against Red Lion.
There likely wouldn't be a more important one either.
Driving towards the Lions net with time running down, Betz drew contact and as he was falling down, zipped in a shot past stunned Red Lion goalkeeper Nick Serrano with 2.8 seconds left in the period.
"Right when I felt him push me I rolled and as soon as I see the goal I just throw it in. I know someone is sliding, so I just duck and get to the ground quick," Betz said. "Hopefully it goes in."
The goal gave the Bulldogs their first lead since the opening quarter and West York went on to an 11-9 victory at Susquehannock.
"That was a little bit of momentum," Betz said. "I knew Red Lion was going to come out and it would be back-and-fourth game. I am glad we finally put one in and took the lead. We knew it was going to physical and a good game."
West York improved to 13-3 on the season and will face Susquehannock in Thursday's YAIAA championship game, on the Warriors' home field. Susquehannock knocked off Dallastown, 8-7, in Tuesday's other semifinal.
A look back: Past division and league champions of the YAIAA
The incredible effort by Betz put the Bulldogs up 8-7 and was a part of a four-goal run. When Nicholas Cintron made it 9-7 with 7:35 left in the game, it marked the first time either team led by more than one goal.
On mobile? Click here to view photo gallery
Betz scored his third goal of the game 43 seconds later to extend the lead, but Tanner Reif brought Red Lion (13-3) back to within two with 4:11 to play.
"That's just Hunter's game. I am lucky to see that for four years," Bulldogs coach Rodney Tamblin said. "I can't say enough about the kid. He brings a positive attitude. Any individual awards the kid gets he will trade for a win on Thursday night."
The Lions had another chance to capitalize on a man-up situation, but West York keeper Cole Rinehart made a brilliant save.
Moments later, Rinehart corralled a loose ball and passed it the length of the field to Betz, who zipped the ball across the goal crease to Devyn Roehm, whose hat trick goal made it 11-8.
Still, another penalty gave Red Lion life and Jac Gemmill notched his third goal of the game with 1:08 left. But Rinehart made a big stop with 21 seconds left and the Bulldogs ran out the clock.
"In big games Cole has been playing really good. Hats off to him," Tamblin said. "He's got a lot to prove this year. He's been waiting his whole high school career for tonight and Thursday night."
As they did for most of the game, the Lions took a 6-5 lead into halftime on Gemmill's goal. Although West York tied the game early in the third, Tyler Dunlap scooped up a loose ball and ripped home a shot, putting Red Lion back in front.
Seth Wise tied the game 1:25 later, setting the stage for Betz.
"We know against this team, and especially their attack, no lead is ever a safe lead," Tamblin said.
For his part, Betz is looking forward to a reversal of fortune against the Warriors in the title tilt. At least, he knows his team can win on the Susquehannock field now.
"We are looking forward to playing Susky again. I know they played us here and they beat us bad. Hopefully we can come back out and play our lacrosse," he said.
West York 11, Red Lion 9
Red Lion2412—9West York2333—11
Red Lion goals — Jac Gemmill 3, Tanner Reif 2, Tyler Dunlap 2, Sam Emig 2.
Red Lion assists — Reif 3, Joe Dashler.
West York goals — Devyn Roehm 3, Hunter Betz 3, Seth Wise 3, Nicholas Cintron, Trevor Sweitzer.
West York assists — Betz 3, Roehm 2, Zachory Hess,
Shots on goal — RL 19, WY 26
Goalies — RL, Nick Serrano (15 saves), Cole Rinehart (10 saves).