High school lacrosse: Friends made in 26-0 loss

By Bill Sanders

For the AJC

When South Cobb’s boys lacrosse team visited Harrison last week, it took six seconds for the onslaught to begin. From then on, the person getting the hardest workout was the scoreboard operator.

It was 11-0 after one quarter, 20-0 at the half.

Just how ugly was it? Oddly enough, not one bit.

In fact, it was a thing of beauty. For everyone. Even South Cobb.

“Go get on the bus,” hollered South Cobb coach Craig Jarrett after the game ended. “And on your way out, you thank everyone you pass by.”

In an era when competition often deteriorates into confrontation, the goodwill that has been forged between Harrison and South Cobb transcends the sport.

Last year, the two teams played at Harrison with the Hoyas winning 26-0. But in the loss, the Eagles left an impact on Harrison’s Lacrosse Booster Club.

“They got off the bus wearing old football practice jerseys,” said Jackie Lyons, booster club president. “One was wearing a Fruit of the Loom T-shirt and the coach took a marker and wrote a number on it.”

But that wasn't the only lasting impression.

“We were so impressed with how, the whole time, they tried hard, never threw a stick, were still bumping fists with each other, encouraging their teammates, no matter what,” Lyons said. “Not only did they never quit, they never hung their heads, lost their cool or did anything other than respect the game and their opponents. That is what made an impression on us.”

This year, the Harrison booster club asked parents to donate money to buy South Cobb new uniforms. A few weeks ago, Harrison had South Cobb over for a Saturday skills clinic and lunch. It was billed as a way for the two teams to get to know one another and for Harrison, which has a deep feeder program, to pass along some tips to players who had little, if any, experience in the game.

South Cobb players had no idea that Harrison had purchased them new uniforms.

“It was probably the most proud moment I’ve ever had in sports,” Jarrett said. “These kids were recognized for doing things the right way. I’m not sure as 18-year-olds, they totally get that yet, but I was blown away by their generosity.”

Alex Olmos, South Cobb’s captain, said he appreciated not only the uniforms, but the spirit with which Harrison played against South Cobb.

“It’s all been spectacular,” he said. “They came out here on a Saturday to help us out and give us uniforms. But for me, the best thing is how they played us for 48 minutes. Other teams give up on us and quit trying and that’s kind of insulting. They played like they respected us as a team.”

Olmos also addressed the crowd on the public address system.

"South Cobb would like to thank you all as much as possible for what you have done for us," he said.

Lyons swears South Cobb has done more for Harrison than the other way around.

Regardless,  in the end, South Cobb came made a tiny stride. They lost 25-0 to Harrison, one goal closer than last year. And that’s a start.