Rebels Playoff Dreams End in Montclair

MONTCLAIR -- Playing in the second round of the Group IV state playoffs, the Howell Rebels boys lacrosse team had already made history Tuesday afternoon just by getting off the bus.

Just a year removed from their first playoff win in the program's history, the boys were back in action in the second round of the Group IV Tournament taking on a talented Montclair squad. Unfortunately what had been an impressive season came to an end with a 16-9 loss on the road.

Montclair jumped out to a 6-1 lead at the end of the first quarter, making it difficult for the Rebels to rebound.

Howell was able to mount a comeback -- scoring seven goals in the second and third quarter combined -- but it was not enough, as they lost by a differential of seven.

As they have all season, sophomore Alec Dambach and senior captain Rob Hart lead the way offensivley for the Rebels (12-7, seeded 12th).

They both had four of Howell's nine goals, while Dambach added three assists for an impressive six-point performance.

Senior Kevin Scott added two goals and Ryan Dambach was strong as usual, tallying a goal himself.

Hart lead the team with 10 ground balls and went 15-25 in the face-off circle.

Goalie Nick Schwarz made 12 saves on the day, and was strong as well.