The Week in Review - April 7-April 13
With three wins in five days, the Ridgefield High School boys lacrosse team proved they’re more than just an FCIAC contender — they’re a force. The Tigers followed up their season-opening victory over Somers with convincing wins over John Jay, Manhasset, and Wantagh to improve to 4–0 heading into conference play.
Whether it was dominant faceoff play, a balanced offense, or a stingy defense, Ridgefield showed it can beat top competition in a variety of ways.
And Tigers fans have to ask themselves: is the top player in the FCIAC prowling at Tiger Hollow? Senior attackman and Sacred Heart commit Jake Carney had a monster week, tallying 14 goals in three games, including a lucky seven against Wantagh on Saturday. Plenty of sleepless nights lay ahead for the FCIAC’s defensive coaches as they try to figure out how to stop Carney from lighting up scoreboards like Christmas trees.
(Jake Carney in action vs Wantagh)
April 8 — Ridgefield 14, John Jay 2
On an April Tuesday night at Tiger Hollow that felt more like January, Ridgefield heated things up early in their home opener. The Tigers blitzed John Jay with five first-quarter goals, opening up a 10-1 halftime lead and cruising to a 14-2 win.
Senior Levi Kessler set the tone with four goals, continuing a red-hot start to his season. Sophomore Chris Colsey chipped in two goals and an assist, while Carney added two goals and two assists. Ridgefield’s attack was sharp and precise, with nine players tallying points.
Dylan Penn had five saves for the Tigers, and at the faceoff X, his brother Brandon Penn was nearly flawless, going 12-for-13 as Ridgefield won 16 of 18 draws.
April 10 — Ridgefield 14, Manhasset 7
After a long, traffic-filled Thursday afternoon trip to Long Island, Ridgefield took down perennial Nassau County contender Manhasset 14-7 in an early non-conference test. The Tigers jumped out to a 7-3 halftime lead, weathered a third-quarter push, and then shut the door in the fourth with a 4-0 run.
Carney was unstoppable against the Indians, recording five goals and two assists. His fourth-quarter hat trick erased any hopes of a Manhasset comeback. Brandon Gmelin contributed two goals and an assist, and Colsey added two more goals, giving him four in two games.
Crucially, Ridgefield’s scoring came from everywhere. Seniors Des Couri, Walker Fiore, and Levi Kessler, and juniors Liam Kristan and Ryan Troy, all found the back of the net. Kessler and Couri each had assists, as did Fiore, highlighting Ridgefield’s ability to share the ball and exploit matchups.
Dylan Penn was strong again in goal with 10 saves, including several critical stops after Manhasset had cut the lead to 8-6. Ridgefield’s defense responded, holding the hosts scoreless in the final period as Carney put the game away on the other end.
April 12 — Ridgefield 16, Wantagh 9
Facing another strong Long Island opponent, Ridgefield closed the week with a statement win over Wantagh High School at Tiger Hollow. The Tigers fell behind 1-0 early but quickly took control, scoring five straight goals to end the first quarter up 5-1.
Kessler recorded a goal and three assists, while Fiore, committed to Dickinson College, contributed a goal and two assists. Ridgefield also got goals from Gmelin (also a Dickinson commit), Kristan, Troy, and sophomore midfielder Andrew Lycoyannis, who netted his first varsity goal midway through the third quarter on a screamer into the top-left corner.
The varied nature of the Tigers’ attack — 12 different players have scored for Ridgefield so far this season — is a main reason why Carney has been filling up scoresheets in 2025. “Having everyone contribute helps a lot,” said Carney. “Everyone is a threat, which really opens up the field.”
The Tigers dominated the possession game thanks to an extraordinary faceoff performance by Brandon Penn, who went 23-for-26 (88%). Dylan Penn had another solid outing in net, making nine saves and directing a defense that largely kept a lid on Wantagh’s dangerous offensive attack.
The Week Ahead (4/14-4/20)
Tuesday, April 15 (6:00 p.m.) – Home vs. Fairfield Ludlowe
Ridgefield opens FCIAC play and looks to extend their perfect start under the lights at Tiger Hollow against Ludlowe.
Thursday, April 17 (3:00 p.m.) – At Staples
A key conference matchup looms against defending FCIAC champ Staples that could test Ridgefield’s depth and poise. Staples, led by goalie Josh Marcus (headed to UNC in the fall) and attackman Adam Udell (committed to Michigan) will be looking to avenge their loss to the Tigers in last year’s state playoffs.
Saturday, April 19 (1:00 p.m.) – Home vs. Brunswick
A marquee non-conference showdown against elite prep school powerhouse Brunswick. Expect a fast-paced, high-level battle between two of the top teams in Connecticut.
Season-to-Date Player Statistics (Through April 12, 2025)
- Jake Carney – 21 points (17G, 4A)
- Levi Kessler – 13 points (9G, 4A)
- Des Couri – 9 points (6G, 3A)
- Brandon Gmelin – 7 points (5G, 2A)
- Chris Colsey – 6 points (4G, 2A)
- Walker Fiore – 5 points (2G, 3A)
- Ryan Troy – 4 points (3G, 1A)
- Liam Kristan – 3 points (2G, 1A)
- Andrew Lycoyannis – 1 point (1G)
- Tommy Lunn – 1 point (1G)
- Matthew Fogle – 1 point (1G)
- Brandon Penn – 1 point (1G)
- Andrew Fitzpatrick – 1 point (1A)