Heading into the final quarter of an important Lehigh Valley Conference boys lacrosse game last Friday afternoon, the Parkland Trojans led by just a goal, 5-4. But Parkland had more possessions and took advantage of them, tallying three goals and outscoring Emmaus 3-1 to win the contest 8-5 and secure the number one overall seed in the conference tournament which begins Thursday. The Trojans will face number four seed Nazareth in the LVC semifinals. They came out on top 20-4 in the only other meeting between these two teams this season.

Emmaus did its best to stay with the energized Trojans in front of a lively crowd at Orefield Middle School, but the fourth quarter was just too much to overcome after Parkland won most of the draws.

"We did a better job of finishing our possessions," said Parkland head coach Brad Schifko of the fourth quarter. "Dante Cavallucci was doing a really nice job controlling the faceoffs. We did a nice job of staying patient with our possessions, and looking for great shots, not just good shots."

The Trojans started off in front with two first-quarter goals, and led 2-1 after one. With the teams staying even in the next two quarters (each team scored once in the second and twice in the third), it came down to the final 12 minutes to decide who would be the one seed.

A couple of wins at the draw by Parkland allowed the Trojans to take advantage of having multiple possessions and score three goals. Jameel Hadeed in net also came up big for the Trojans with 12 saves.

A Parkland-Emmaus showdown in any sport always brings out the best in the student-athletes, and with league standings and pride on the line, the Trojans stayed level headed and made minimal costly mistakes.

"I thought that for us we stayed focused before this game," noted Schifko. "Their our cross-town rival and the kids all know each other, but we didn't get too overly excited and just went out and played our game."

Gavin Saylor tallied three goals. Josh Pope netted two and Stephen Chenworth, Dylan Klusaritz, and Ethan Howell all scored a goal a piece for Parkland (14-4 overall, 9-1 LVC).

Nolan Ridgway and Zach Getchius each recorded an assist in the win.