Archbishop Curley Boys Lacrosse 2026 Season Recap: Friars Return to the MIAA B Championship Game

Championship expectations have become the standard at Archbishop Curley, and the 2026 season only reinforced that reputation.

After winning three consecutive MIAA B Conference championships from 2022-24, the Friars once again put together one of the state’s strongest seasons, finishing 12-1 during the regular season before advancing to another MIAA B Conference championship game. Although Curley’s title run ended in heartbreaking fashion against Saints Peter & Paul, the Friars showcased one of Maryland’s top defenses, a balanced offense, and another roster loaded with college-bound talent.

Season at a Glance

• Overall Record: 12-1
• MIAA B Conference Runner-Up
• 175 Goals Scored
• 63 Goals Allowed
• Average Goals Scored: 13.5 per game
• Average Goals Allowed: 4.8 per game

Curley outscored opponents by an incredible 112 goals during the regular season, dominating on both ends of the field while earning the No. 2 ranking in the MIAA B Conference.

Fast Start

The Friars opened the season by winning their first seven games, defeating Hereford, St. Mary’s Ryken, Dulaney, Indian Creek, Westminster, Fallston and Pallotti.

Several victories showcased just how dangerous Curley could be offensively.

• Hereford — W 7-4
• St. Mary’s Ryken — W 8-4
• Dulaney — W 8-6
• Indian Creek — W 16-5
• Westminster — W 15-3
• Fallston — W 11-7
• Pallotti — W 15-4

The defense immediately established itself as one of the stingiest units in Maryland while the offense steadily became more explosive each week.

The Turning Point

Curley’s lone regular-season loss came in an instant classic against Saints Peter & Paul.

The Friars fell 12-11 in overtime in a game that ultimately previewed the conference championship matchup. Instead of allowing the defeat to derail the season, Curley responded with four consecutive convincing victories.

The Friars closed the regular season by defeating:

• Gerstell Academy (13-7)
• St. John’s Catholic Prep (21-2)
• Annapolis Area Christian (20-3)
• Concordia Prep (17-3)

Curley then defeated Gerstell Academy 15-4 in the conference semifinals to earn another championship appearance.

Championship Heartbreak

The MIAA B Conference Championship produced one of the season’s best games.

Curley battled Saints Peter & Paul for a second time and appeared poised to reclaim the conference title after taking a late lead. The Sabres responded in the closing minute before eventually winning in double overtime, denying the Friars what would have been another championship.

Although disappointing, the narrow defeat showed just how evenly matched the two premier programs had become during the 2026 season.

Offensive Firepower

Curley’s offense developed into one of the most balanced attacks in the conference.

The Friars scored at least 15 goals six different times, including:

• 21 goals vs. St. John’s Catholic Prep
• 20 vs. Annapolis Area Christian
• 17 vs. Concordia Prep
• 16 vs. Indian Creek
• 15 vs. Westminster
• 15 vs. Pallotti

Rather than relying on one superstar, Curley received contributions from throughout its lineup, making the offense difficult for opponents to defend.

Defensive Dominance

Defense remained the identity of the Friars.

Allowing only 63 goals in 13 games, Curley surrendered fewer than five goals per contest. Opponents reached double digits only once all season, and the Friars routinely controlled possessions with disciplined team defense, physical play, and strong goaltending.

Player Highlights

Although Archbishop Curley did not publish individual season statistics, several players were instrumental throughout the season.

Nick Mannion (Attack, Senior)
The McDaniel College commit led Curley’s veteran attack. Mannion consistently created scoring opportunities and served as one of the offensive leaders throughout the season. His leadership and finishing ability helped power a unit that averaged more than 13 goals per game.

Owen Hibbert (Midfield, Senior)
Committed to Eastern University, Hibbert provided versatility from the midfield. He contributed offensively while also helping Curley excel in transition, making him one of the team’s most complete players.

Gavin Sparzak (Defense/LSM, Senior)
One of the anchors of Curley’s defense, Sparzak routinely matched up against opposing top offensive players. His athleticism and ability to create turnovers helped the Friars finish among Maryland’s best defensive teams.

Derek John (Defense, Senior)
John brought size, toughness and experience to Curley’s defensive unit. The Mary Washington commit played a major role in limiting opponents to under five goals per game.

Jayden Wantland (Defense, Senior)
Wantland finished a decorated varsity career after earning previous All-Conference recognition. A physical defender and three-year starter, he continued to provide leadership on one of the state’s top defensive units.

Joseph Wojciechowski and Nick Yeagy (Goalkeepers)
Curley’s goaltending duo provided consistent play throughout the spring. Behind a veteran defensive corps, both goalkeepers helped the Friars finish the season allowing just 4.8 goals per game.

Coaching

Head coach Chris Ogle once again demonstrated why Archbishop Curley remains one of Maryland’s premier lacrosse programs.

Ogle has built a championship culture centered around disciplined defense, unselfish offense, and player development. Under his leadership, Curley has become a perennial contender and continues sending players to the collegiate level every season.

Final Grade: A-

One overtime loss separated Archbishop Curley from another conference championship.

The Friars finished with one of Maryland’s best records, dominated statistically on both ends of the field, and once again proved they belong among the state’s elite programs. With a talented returning core and another strong pipeline of young players, Curley appears well-positioned to make another championship run in 2027.