RallyNorth.net

It all began with a bump | a mass located above the collar bone.

Seventeen-year-old Pete Koopman of West Newbury didn't think much of it last October, and neither did his family, including his mom, Beth, a nurse at Anna Jacques in Newburyport.

The second quarter was a killer for Pentucket as the Sachems committed six penalties that led to three Gloucester goals. Despite a strong defensive showing in the second half, the Fishermen scored the sudden-death goal in overtime.

In a Cape Ann League that is run by a pair of lacrosse powerhouses in North Andover and Masconomet, the River Rival teams are all aware that the remainder of the schedule is wide open, and that on any given day, any one team could beat the other.

A driving, diagonal rain. Check.

An overcast sky. Check.

A frigid breeze that pushed spectators onto their heels. Check.

These are the conditions the Pentucket and Georgetown boys lacrosse programs played in yesterday, and despite the inhospitable elements, this great rivalry was a fun game to watch.

The Manchester Essex boys lacrosse team appears to be poised to build on last year's two-win campaign. At least if yesterday's contest against Pentucket is any barometer.

The Hornets rolled to a 9-4 victory over Pentucket in the season-opener for both schools. The offensive outburst was backed by a five-goal performance from senior attack Will Doucette and a three-goal performance from sophomore attack Jim Finn. Cam Doane added four assists.

2007 record: 5-14, did not make tourney

Returning starters (9): Austin Ago, Sr., defense; Nate Bunnell, Sr., midfield; Taylor Cahill, Sr., attack; Matt Green, Sr., midfield; Alex Roberts, Sr., goalie; Dylan Chase, Jr., attack; Matt Fiore, Jr., defense; Ben Stasiuk, Jr., midfield; Cam Spofford, Soph., defense