LAKE ORION >> A one-goal loss to Birmingham United two weeks ago could have taken the Clarkston boys lacrosse season into a tailspin.

With the OAA Red no longer in the Wolves’ control, they could have hung their heads.

Instead, Clarkston found another gear.

Since that loss, Clarkston has rattled off four consecutive victories by a combined score of 75-27. That includes an 18-9 win over rival Lake Orion on Monday night at the home of the Dragons.

“When you take a look at where we were two weeks ago versus (Monday), we really were coming out of a grind. We had been on the road down into Ohio and the west part of the state, and really working and playing tough games. We went into that game (with Birmingham United), we were a little tired, a little slow. I thought we played okay that night. I think you compare that to tonight, and I think we just played very well. I mean, the guys were focused, passes were connecting, shots finding the net, good checks from the defense. I mean, just all around, a really good performance by the guys,” Clarkston coach Brian Kaminskas said.

Monday’s meeting with Lake Orion featured two of the all-time winningest boys lacrosse coaches in Michigan. Lake Orion’s Ron Hebert is the all-time leader with 354 wins, while Clarkston’s Kaminskas has 284, which is top-5 all-time.

Last year, Lake Orion handed Clarkston a 17-12 loss on the Wolves’ home field, so it was important for the Clarkston seniors to avenge that defeat.

“I mean, last year we lost to them. It was heartbreaking. We were home last year, so everyone wanted to get that win back. So, it meant a lot,” Clarkston senior Denny Wandrei said. “Our coach told us, this really meant a lot. We need to get this back on our side, and I think we proved that today.”

Clarkston (11-2, 4-1 OAA Red) set the tone right away, scoring four goals over the first 2:30 of play. The Wolves built that into a 6-0 lead through one quarter.

“I think any time we play Lake Orion, the team that gets off on that first start typically tends to control the game. So, it’s extremely important,” Kaminskas said. “I know (Lake Orion) has a pretty powerful attack. We were able to keep the ball out of their stick for a long time, and that clearly helped us.”

Lake Orion (10-4, 3-2) was able to find the net early in the second period, but the Dragons wouldn’t be able to cut into the Clarkston lead beyond that. The Wolves had another hot start in the second half, scoring the first five goals to push the lead to 11 at 14-3.

Wandrei had five goals and a pair of assists to lead Clarkston in the win. He noted the team has been very motivated since the loss to Birmingham United.

“After that loss, we really took that personally, and we felt like we could step up and play better,” Wandrei said. “That wasn’t really our game against (Birmingham United), so we’re trying to prove to the state of Michigan and MHSAA that we’re better than that.”

Junior Parker Royse also had five goals and two assists for Clarkston, while Luke Darnell and Sean Sinclair each scored twice. Goalie Robert Haracic had 11 saves in net.

Lake Orion was led by senior Parker Gannon, who had four goals, while junior Coby Narloch scored twice.

Both squads have regular season games over the next two weeks, but the playoffs will begin around the state next week as well.

The Dragons and Wolves are no strangers to postseason runs. Last year, Clarkston made a run to the D1 quarterfinals.

“Playoffs start next week. I think we’re in a good spot,” Kaminskas said. “We’re a little beaten up, so we’ll take some things a little slower in practice. But yeah, I like where we’re at, at least mentally.”