BEL AIR, Md. - The Harford men's lacrosse team had to wait over two years to defend their crown, but their patience proved to be worth it.

The Fighting Owls won their second straight Region 20 lacrosse championship, doubling up the Essex Knights 16-8, Saturday evening inside Harford Stadium.

True to their form, Harford came out swinging early on offense, scoring six goals in the first 15 minutes. Taz Delaney and Jack Bauer led the early push with two goals each, while Nick Jenkens and Ben Ferrell tallied one goal each.

Defense took over in the second quarter, as both teams surrendered just one goal to put the score at 7-4 heading into the break. It continued to reign supreme in the third, but Harford still managed to edge the Knights in the scoreline and took a 10-6 lead to the final 15 minutes.

The Fighting Owls offense returned to their original form in the fourth, sending six past Essex while allowing the Knights just a pair of goals to earn their second straight region title.

Harford goalkeeper Jason Roland was a force between the pipes for the parliament, making 21 saves to earn the win.

Pete Behrens led the Fighting Owls with four goals on the afternoon, while Taz Delaney tallied a hat trick. 

Harford is now 8-0 on the year. 

Scoring Summary: Click Here

Box Score Highlights

• The Fighting Owls win also earns them the Mid-Atlantic District Championship
• Nate Surd finished with two scores
• Cayden Onagni picked up a goal and two assists
• Zach Sheppard finished 14-for-25 on faceoffs and picked up six ground balls
• Caden Cote recorded five ground balls and one caused turnover, while Gaige Lennon and four ground balls and one caused turnover
• Harford's winning streak over Essex now extendeds to six

Up Next
Harford will wait to hear its seed for the NJCAA Lacrosse National Tournament, set to take place May 15-16 at Nassau Community College.