Webb defeats Vance Charter in overtime thriller

“Heading into overtime my game plan was for Beau to win the face off and to not hold back on the shot from the right side of the field,” said first year head coach Ali’Quan Bullock. “He listened and he came out big with the game winner. He is the leader and captain of this team and the team came together to play.”

Burnette, who will play collegiate lacrosse at Sewannee, entered Tuesday’s contest with an average of seven goals per game, including 21 over his first three games.

The first half belonged to Webb, as they found themselves with a 7-4 lead at the break behind a strong offensive attack. As the second half began however, Bullock and company saw the lead shrink, as they fell victim to the cold weather in Henderson.

Vance Charter found the back of the net on multiple occasions, testing the Warriors defense and creating little to no margin for error.

Despite the setback, Bullock encouraged his team to keep playing, emphasizing the mantra that nothing is given, but instead earned.

Their resiliency led to a tied game at the end of regulation, signaling an extra session and the eventual victory for the Warriors.

“I feel we came out ready to play, then with us scoring a lot to start, we got too relaxed into the game,” said Bullock. “Vance Charter really made our guys realize that a game isn’t won until the time expires, but we got our heads together, got the butterflies out, and played Webb lacrosse.”

Bullock highlighted the play of captain Josh Barnette along with seniors Demare Smith and Cameron Downey, crediting their contribution as the reason for success over their 1A rival.

An abundance of talent has helped Webb continue their success from a season ago, where they finished with a 5-3 record thanks in part to a talented rising senior class.

With a coaching change and competitive conference, Bullock points to their perseverance and response to adversity for a sustained winning culture in Oxford.

“Our success on and off the field starts with how we represent ourselves and how we respond to adversity,” said Bullock. It’s with how we start our day, waking up, knowing that each day you have to be better than yesterday. I feel they understand that now and what’s asked of them day in and day out.”

Through four games, the Warriors have established a dominant offense, averaging 11 goals per game with four different players scoring two or more goals per contest.

A week hiatus awaits for Webb before returning to conference action next Tuesday. They will conclude their five-game road trip, taking their 2-0 league record to Durham for a matchup with Voyager Academy.

“Webb lacrosse is here to stay and grow,” said Bullock. “We don’t underestimate any other team but we work hard to get to where we are and we aren’t letting up.”