Wakefield’s boys lacrosse program has shown grit and determination since Day 1 of the spring. It’s the primary reason the Warriors have burst onto the scene as one of the state’s top up-and-coming groups to watch.

“I think the biggest thing that I have noticed about this group is how close they are,” said Wakefield coach Andy Wells. “This is a team where every guy on it are legitimately friends, which you don’t always get at the high school level. You can tell how long they’ve all played together, they’ve grown up playing sports, hockey, football, lacrosse together their whole lives. These guys are really close, and they play really hard for each other.”

The scrappy bunch has blazed to a 9-1 start.

Wakefield’s last truly memorable season came in 2017. That spring, the Warriors made a run to the Div. 2 North sectional final before falling to Beverly. They also had some success in 2022 before faltering to eventual Div. 2 champion Longmeadow in the Round of 16.

After a stint coaching youth lacrosse in Wilmington, Wells took over the program in 2024. He had prior club coaching experience, and had managed some of the North Shore’s upcoming talent over the years. The opportunity was intriguing.

“I knew growing up, Wakefield always had strong lacrosse programs, especially at the youth level,” said Wells. “They had a run where they were really, really strong in high school. It’s a town that is passionate about their sports. Good athletic department, good administration, so it was a pretty (easy choice). Everybody is pulling in the same direction. They want the programs to be successful, so there is a lot of support there. That was really the biggest thing (for me).”

The Warriors responded by making the Div. 3 playoffs, but dropped their opening round game to a very tough Foxboro squad, 14-5. However, a new culture was being constructed, and more athletes suddenly wanted to join the program. On top of things, the Warriors only graduated one player from their 2024 roster. A few new faces were added to the team, and confidence began to build as Wakefield won its first nine games in dominant fashion.

“I think our key is actually wanting to win this year,” said Wakefield junior captain Seamus Cable. “Having the determination as a team, and bringing it to practice everyday. I think we’re really close on the field, and became closer as a team, even more so than last year.”

Cable has already amassed 31 goals and 30 assists this spring. The junior eclipsed 200 career points this past week during a game with Winchester. Wakefield has also been propelled offensively by John Scarpello (33 goals, 16 assists).

On the defensive end, Tommy DeFeo has been a spark plug with 15 caused turnovers and 25 ground balls. Meanwhile, JP Casey has 10 caused turnovers and 30 ground balls to go with three goals.

In the MIAA’s latest set of Div. 3 boys lacrosse power rankings released Friday, Wakefield was seeded seventh with a team rating of 5.6645.

“We know that we still have a lot to prove,” Casey said. “A lot of people already, at the beginning of the year, had us crossed out. They didn’t think we were going to be anything special. Now we have a target on our backs. We’re embracing it.”

The Middlesex League might be one of the state’s top fields, but the Warriors would not have it any other way. Now, they look to close the spring strong before entering Div. 3 playoff contention.

“We’ve just got to come out and play our game,” said Cable. “Let the scoreboard do the talking.”

Wakefield has seen great success in sports such as football. Is this the point where its lacrosse team follows suit?

“I would like to hope so,” said Wells. “The group that we have right now, they’re motivated. They’re bought-in. They want to have a successful season, and finish off their high school career strong. Only time will tell.”