MORGANTOWN – It doesn’t matter where. It doesn’t matter when.
Anytime Morgantown and University High School meet in any sport, the intensity is present.
But when the two schools meet on the field in the annual matchup in boys lacrosse, there seems to be a bit more electricity in the air.
In recent years, MHS and UHS have produced some instant classics in both the regular season and in the playoffs, and come Friday night at 8 p.m. at Pony Lewis Field, they will battle once again.
“I think this game is always intense because of the talent in Morgantown and also the history of the matchup,” MHS head coach Jeremy Bennett said. “There is an added edge that many of these guys played together in middle school.”
The annual matchup between the local rivals is the longest standing in state lacrosse history. The first game between the two sides dates back to 1998, according to Bennett.
The Mohigans enter Friday night’s regular season finale with a perfect record of 13-0, and have been dominant in nearly every single win.
MHS is outscoring its opponents by 179 goals in 2026, and besides a one-goal win over Pickerington (Oh.) 13-12, it hasn’t had a result closer than four goals.
“One of the many goals for this team early on was going undefeated, but the ultimate goal is always a state championship,” Bennett said. “Our focus is giving ourselves every advantage possible going into the playoffs. Winning Friday guarantees us first place and homefield advantage through the semifinals. That’s been our main priority this season.”
The Mohigans are led by junior Anthony Vessecchia in attack with 56 total goals (4.3 per game). Senior Luke Quigley leads the team in points with 88 (52g, 36a). Junior goalkeeper Cooper Drach has tallied 89 saves while only allowing 63 goals in 13 contests.
The Hawks improved to 8-5 with a 21-0 win over Preston on Tuesday and maintain a +30 goal advantage over opponents in 2026.
Senior Maxwell Walker leads UHS in the attack in goals and assists.
“Our guys have grown a lot in communicating and not giving up regardless of the situation,” UHS head coach Justin Ruble said. “A few games this season, we were down early before coming back to win. Off the field, our unity has been strong, no matter what has happened that’s been out of their control.”
Ruble and his club know the challenge that MHS brings every season, but this season in particular.
“MHS is well coached and has great young men who give everything they have on the field,” Ruble said. “They will bring their A-game and will demand the best out of us in this game. That’s what makes them such a tough, great opponent.”
Faceoff at Pony Lewis Field is set for 8 p.m.
