According to many of the Parkland boys lacrosse players, 2016 was a successful year. Even though the Trojans did not achieve their end goal of a District 11 championship, they were one goal away from that elusive title, and advanced further than some Lehigh Valley lacrosse fans thought that they would.

“Playing for the Parkland program has truly been a blessing,” said senior goalie Joey Stevenson. “The coaches were awesome and the guys were a lot of fun through all four years.

“This season was obviously my senior season and I couldn’t have asked for a better squad. Coach told us in the beginning that we were a special group and we proved that. We were the only people in the Valley that thought we had the talent to make to the district championship when everyone else wrote us off.”

Parkland (15-7 overall) proved on the field that they could compete with anyone on its schedule, and it showed with the talent that they put out onto the field.

Two of those players, Stevenson and freshmen defender Alex Albertson, were selected to play in postseason all-star games as part of their successful years.

“When I heard the news I was in shock,” said Stevenson. “I was really not expecting to be selected by a high caliber all-star game like the EPLCA game. I think it meant a lot to my family also because they always tell me about being the best goalie.”

Stevenson finished his four-year varsity career with 369 saves, with most coming during his junior and senior years where he was the full-time starter.

He made 174 saves in 2015, and 164 this year, with a career-high 17 saves coming during his junior year against Wilson West Lawn. This year, Stevenson stopped 13 shots twice, in the opener against Central Catholic and in late April versus Cumberland Valley.

He had plenty of help in front of him in first-year starter and varsity member Albertson.

The freshmen burst onto the scene and was an immediate impact player for head coach Brad Schifko in his first year at Parkland. He played alongside his brother Andrew, a sophomore.

Albertson was a part of a young defense that gave up just 6.32 goals per game, which was tied for 17th best in Pennsylvania.

“It’s a great honor representing Pennsylvania in this game,” said Albertson, who won Rookie of the Year Award. “There were several hundred kids who tried out, so I’m really thankful to earn a spot.

“It was an amazing year. I am so thankful for my teammates. I had to work really hard to earn their respect and it felt like a very close family all year. Coach Schifko and defensive coach Joe Labella gave me an opportunity to prove myself and I’m grateful for that.”

Albertson will play in the Brine National Lacrosse Classic in Richmond, Virginia, from July 19-22. Stevenson played in the EPLCA Senior All-Star game at Radnor High School in Philadelphia on June 12.