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NCF Men's Lacrosse League photo by Marty Resno Photography
Lacrosse

NC Fusion Men's League Recap: Week 2

Coach

STORM 17, GRINDERS 16

One-Goal Thriller in the Opener

The Storm squeaked past the Grinders in a nail-biter that came down to the final whistle (does the ref have a whistle?). Both teams trading blows like a heavyweight fight, except everyone's cardio gave out in the fourth quarter.

Storm vs Grinders - Marty Resno Photography: martyresno.com
Storm vs GrindersPhoto: Marty Resno Photography: martyresno.com


Was home dark or white? No one was sure. Colorblind? Doesn't matter. Perfect vision? Still doesn't matter. We had Dark Blue locking up Light Blue and Green dodging Neon Yellow. The Grinders' Game Plan seemed to be put the ball in the hands of your tallest, twitchiest guy and pray — and it worked, just not enough.

Storm vs Grinders - Marty Resno Photography
Storm vs GrindersPhoto: Marty Resno Photography: martyresno.com

Coach’s Feedback: More backhand attempts than the U.S. Open. Gentlemen, I'm begging you—your left hand exists. I've seen it. You used it to hold your beer between shifts. Maybe try using it from X? Just a thought. The collective shooting percentage on backhands was hovering somewhere around "Shaq at the free throw line."

The Storm moves to 2-0 with a +6 goal differential. Solid start, but let's not start planning the championship party yet.

Storm vs Grinders - Game Photos by Marty Resno Photography

TITANS 19, NIGHTHAWKS 18

Youth Mediums vs. The Comeback Kids

If Week 1 was the Nighthawks finding their footing, Week 2 was them remembering they actually know how to play lacrosse. They showed up ready to scrap, and honestly? Respect.

Titans vs NightHawks - Marty Resno Photography: martyresno.com
Titans vs NightHawksPhoto: Marty Resno Photography: martyresno.com

The game was an absolute barn burner. Back and forth, no quit, just two teams trading goals like Pokémon cards in a middle school cafeteria. Every time the Titans would edge ahead, some Nighthawk would tuck the ball into a bag, dodge the entire defense, and shoot. Rinse and repeat.

Titans vs NightHawks - Marty Resno Photography: martyresno.com
Titans vs NightHawksPhoto: Marty Resno Photography: martyresno.com

Coach’s Highlight of the Night: One of the Teen Titans players deciding to get spicy. Not once, but twice. Chirping. Jawing. Full adult-league testosterone on display. You absolutely love to see grown men talking trash over a rec league game. This is what we're here for.

Titans Update: They move to 2-0 and sit atop the league standings with a +9 goal differential. The youth jerseys are undefeated. Coincidence? Probably not.

Titans vs NightHawks - Game Photos by Marty Resno Photography

WEEK 2 TAKEAWAYS

  • Sunday > Saturday: Confirmed. The Lord provides, and apparently He provides better attendance.
  • Construction Crew Turnout: Elite. OSHA-approved. Hi-Viz jerseys as far as the eye can see.
  • Jersey Visibility: Non-existent. If you could tell teams apart, you're lying.
  • Backhand Obsession: Out of control. Use your off-hand, cowards.
  • Tall Guy Strategy: Surprisingly effective.
  • Chirping Levels: Healthy. Exactly what men's league should be.

Big shout to Ryan, Andrew, and NC Fusion for keeping this beautiful disaster running smoothly. Same time next week—bring your worst jersey and your best excuses.

Current Standings:

  1. Titans (2-0, +9)
  2. Storm (2-0, +6)
  3. Nighthawks (0-2, -7)
  4. Grinders (0-2, -8)

🚨 Support Youth Lacrosse w/ TYLA Gear 🚨

🍺 Ice up, boys. And maybe practice your left hand.