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Pelham Teacher Coaches Briarcliff Boys Lacrosse To 13-1 Start

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. -- For the second straight year, Briarcliff High School's varsity boys lacrosse program has picked up a landmark win against a defending Section 1 champion.

Briarcliff's lacrosse team is off to a 12-1 start.

Briarcliff's lacrosse team is off to a 12-1 start.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Only this season, the Bears have accomplished that feat three times en route to a 13-1 start.

Briarcliff defeated 2015 Section 1 Class C champ Pleasantville 8-7 before beating 2014 state champion Bronxville 4-3 and highly regarded Fox Lane 4-3.

Junior Nick Cebel had the game-winner against Bronxville.

Last season, the Bears beat 2014 Section 1 Class A champ Lakeland/Panas 11-10 in overtime. 

Briarcliff varsity coach Rob Anderson said his kids are playing hard and come to practice ready to work.

"They show up with a lot of energy," Anderson said. "They really have confidence in each other and the things we're teaching on a daily basis. The games are a product of their hard work, I'm proud of their efforts."

Anderson praised Pleasantville and Briarcliff for being great programs with kids that compete hard.

"We are fortunate to have the opportunity to compete with them," Anderson said. "Every time you have the chance to compete, it means something to a lot of people."

A graduate of Yorktown High School, Anderson said he is lucky to grow up in a community that values lacrosse.

"Yorktown is a special place," Andeson said. "I'm so glad my family bought a home in Yorktown. It means the world to me."

Anderson, who teaches in Pelham, said his players are talented both on and off the field.

"They're a pleasure to be around," Anderson said. "They are kind and always motivating each other. They've taken to my children as if they're their own family. It's a testament to them and their families."

Briarcliff's goal throughout the season has remained the same- to improve everyday, Anderson said. 

"We want to own every opportunity we have to get better," Anderson said.

Anderson was a halfback/linebacker on the Huskers' state-title winning teams in 1993 and '94. He lives in Hopewell Junction and teaches in the Pelham School District.

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