Cougars Pounce, Seize 12-9 Win Over Crusaders

The Records: On Tuesday, April 5 at 4 p.m., the Arthur L. Johnson Crusaders varsity lacrosse team (0-1) battled the Cranford Cougars (0-1) at Arthur L. Johnson High School. Both teams were coming off season-opener losses (Johnson to Westfield, 6-5; Cranford to number-one-ranked Summit, 13-1) and were eager to even their records with a mark in the win column.

The Final Score: 12-9, Cranford. Competitive would be the best word to describe the matchup between Johnson and Cranford. The first half of play was a back-and-forth that kept the score nail-bitingly close and continued through much of the third quarter. The lead was up for grabs and in the end and it was Cranford's second-half defense that provided them with some key stops in getting the victory. 

Cranford drew first blood early on.  The Johnson offense was clicking for most of the game, but as the second half deepened Cranford's defense tightened up considerably, allowing the Cougars a few good scoring opportunities that earned them the lead.

What's Next: The Cranford Cougars are playing Montclair Kimberley Academy at 2 p.m. at Walnut Avenue School April 9.