By Rubin E. Grant
The Vestavia Hills High School boys lacrosse team had to wait six years between their first state championship, in 2017, and their second, in 2023.
The Rebels didn’t have to wait that long to add their third crown.
Vestavia Hills defeated Briarwood Christian 13-7 in the 2024 Alabama Lacrosse Championships final on May 4 at Buccaneer Stadium to repeat as state champs.
“It’s hard to win back-to-back,” Vestavia Hills coach Randy Nace said. “The kids worked hard. “I think it means more for the kids, but I am appreciative.”
Junior attacker Zane Czeschin led the Rebels with five goals and an assist in the championship game. Senior attacker Riley Pierce had four goals and two assists and senior midfielder Owen Scott scored two goals.
Brooks Belski and Anderson Glen both scored one goal.
Vestavia Hills (14-1) avenged its only loss of the season in the final. Briarwood (13-2) defeated the Rebels 13-12 during the regular season.
The Rebels were well prepared for the rematch.
“It was a great game,” Nace said. “My coaching staff was awesome, watching video and getting our guys ready.
“We lost to them early in the season and we knew they had a great offense and a great defense, and it would come down to who could win the ground balls. It could have gone either way.”
Nace said the Rebels’ defense, particularly their goalies, senior Carson Schick and junior Jimmy Moxley, were the difference.
“Give credit to our goalies,” Nace said. “They played great. Carson played the first half and Jimmy played the second half.”
The Rebels defeated Spain Park 18-5 and Auburn 13-2 in the first two rounds of the playoffs to set up their rematch with Briarwood.
Vestavia Hills also defeated Briarwood to win their first state championship in 2017. In 2023, the Rebels ended Mountain Brook’s streak of four consecutive titles.
Czeschin, Pierce and Scott were named first-team All-State. Czeschin has committed to Jacksonville University. Pierce has signed with MIT, and Scott has signed with Lenoir-Rhyne.
Vestavia Hills defender Cameron Po and long stick middle Drew Vercher were named second-team All-State.
Briarwood also had three players named first-team All-State: attacker Spencer Dickinson, defender Jack Cornish and goalie Ford Smith. The Lions landed attacker Luke Dickinson on the second team.
Scott and Spencer Dickinson were tabbed 2024 Alabama All-American recipients by USA Lacrosse. Briarwood’s Justin Kane was selected 2024 Alabama Boys Coach of the Year.
