For the first time I was a credentialed photographer inside the famous Carrier Dome on the Syracuse University campus covering the NYSPHSAA Section III Boys Lacrosse Championship games for Classes A, B and C high school teams.  Being credentialed allowed me to photograph the games from the sidelines.

Photographing from the sidelines at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York before the start of the NYSPHSAA Section III Boys Lacrosse Championship games on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/11, ISO 1000, EV +0.6, 31mm focal length.

While the games were played in a different sequence, I am going to present them in reverse alphabetical order. The numbers in parenthesis were each team’s tournament seeding.

Class C: Homer Trojans (7) vs. Cazenovia Lakers (1)

You last saw the Cazenovia Lakers back in early April when an early Spring snow made for some unique photos.  As then as it was on Saturday, any team facing the Lakers have to contend with PJ Brown and Henry Mann who are the number 1 and 2 players in Class C Lacrosse in goals and assists.  Additionally, Henry Mann is one of the best at face-offs, a vital part in winning.

Cazenovia Lakers players Henry Mann (2) and PJ Brown (10) in action against the Homer Trojans during the NYSPHSAA Section III Class C Boys Lacrosse Championship game at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

This game was no different.  The Homer Trojans took an early lead but were down by one goal after the first period.  The Lakers went on to post a 12-8 win with PJ Brown scoring 5 goals and Henry Mann adding another 4 goals.

Cazenovia Lakers pose for a team championship photo after defeating the Homer Trojans in the Class C Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014. Cazenovia won 12-8.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/200s, f/5.6, ISO 900, EV +1.0, 24mm focal length.

Class B: East Syracuse-Minoa Spartans (2) vs. Jamesville-Dewitt Red Rams (1)

The ESM Spartans never got a chance in the game as the J-D Red Rams,  six time defending champions for Class B, started out strong and had a 14-6 halftime lead.

Jamesville-Dewitt Red Rams Ben Wipper (6) sets up for a shot against the East Syracuse-Minoa Spartans in the Class B Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Nikon D7100/70-200VR, 1/1250s, f/4, ISO 4500, EV +0.3, 105mm (204mm DX 1.3x) focal length.

The Red Rams never relented and posted a 23-13 victory to move on to the New York State regionals.

Jamesville-Dewitt Red Rams pose for a team championship photo after defeating the East Syracuse-Minoa Spartans in the Class B Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/200s, f/5.6, ISO 1250, EV +0.6, 24mm focal length.

Class A: West Genesee Wildcats (2) vs. Fayetteville-Manlius Hornets (1)

The West Genesee Wildcats are the historical power of Class A Lacrosse not only in Section III with over thirty titles but in New York State with fifteen State Championships. In contrast, the Fayetteville-Manlius Hornets have not won a Section III title in 21 years.

The game started in the Hornets favor with F-M taking a quick 3-0 lead.  West Genesee was patient and was up 4-3 after the first period.  The game stayed close with F-M tying the game numerous times and WG regaining the lead until the last two minutes. With F-M down 11-10, they tied the game late in the last quarter and then this happened…

Fayetteville-Manlius Hornets Casey Green (1) scores the game-winning goal past West Genesee’s Matt Koziol (19) with 2 seconds remaining in the Class A Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Nikon D7100/70-200VR, 1/1250s, f/4, ISO 2200, EV +1.0, 125mm (250mm DX 1.3x) focal length.

F-M Hornets Casey Green, all 5 foot, 6 inches of him, finally got past the stingy West Genesee Wildcats defense which had kept him from scoring all day and put in the game winner with 2 seconds left in the game.  The Hornets, who had lost to the Wildcats in double overtime last year, finally got to celebrate a Section III title.

Fayetteville-Manlius Hornets pose for a team championship photo after defeating the West Genesee Wildcats in the Class A Boys Lacrosse Section III Finals at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 24, 2014.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/4, ISO 800, EV +1.0, 24mm focal length.

I had a great time photographing all the games and wish the champs luck as they continue playing towards a state championship.