CFNN Reporters – Brandon Simpson and Owen Lucas

New head coach: Tom Donatelle spent the 2022-23 season as an assistant coach with the Colts. He now takes the step into the head coaching position and has high standards for this year’s team. Coach Donatelle was a former division one lacrosse goalie at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

2023: 10-7 regular season record

Conference finish: 7-3, 2nd in conference

2023 playoffs – 1st round win over Terry Sanford in double overtime. 2nd round loss to Carrboro.

2023 highlights
First game of the season we win @ Jack Britt for the first time in CF history
Dawson Petzel reached 400 career saves.
Jack Donatelle reached 100 career goals his 2nd year.
Collin Finley reached 300 career goals.
Gray Murphy, Jack, and Dawson made first team all conference.
Brannon made honorable mention all conference
Collin Finley is awarded United 8 OPOY
Collin Finley was also a top 20 senior in the state.
Collin Finley made 1st team all region and 1st team all-state.
Dawson Petzel made 2nd team all region and 2nd team all state.
Gray Murphy and Jack Donatelle made honorable mention all region
Collin Finley is the first CF LAX player to make All-American and was 1 of 11 selected in NC.
Gray Murphy was named Academic All-American.
Cape Fear beat rival Terry Sanford in overtime on their home field.
Cape Fear made the playoffs, had a first round bye, and beat Terry Sanford at their house again in double overtime to move to the third round of playoffs.

RETURNERS: Charles Thompson, Trysten Howard, Ethan Petite, Brian Howington, Owen Lucas, Alexander Bridges, Brannon Quinton, Tyveon Brock, Ashton Horne, Aiden Lobdell , Wade Manire, Trenton Westbrook, Robert Mcfall, Gavin Meredith, Josh Pirro, Mason Autry, Maxwell Risenmay.

Jack Donatelle- Junior, Attack
“Im very excited for this season; it’s gonna be fun”

Lars Rind- Senior, D-Pole
“We’re hoping to dominate this season, do our job and get some playoff wins. Making some history this season.”

Evan Smith- Junior, Goalie
“Even though we lost some key players last year, the returning and up and coming players are working hard to fill those shoes and make the best team we can.”

Promising newcomers:
Wyatt Henderson, Xander Browne, Ray Shroder, Macon Matney, Tristan Sexton, Garrett Snyder, Brandon SImpson, Christian Saucedo, Dylan Hollis, Jeron Lassiter.

“My main goals this season are to help us get to a winning record, get us to the playoffs and beat our rivals Terry Sanford,” said Junior midfielder Macon Matney

“The season is looking very promising, we have a lot of new people coming out, including myself. I’m very excited to play lacrosse for my school for the first time,” said Senior Midfielder Tristan Sexton.

Player Outlook- Captain Jack Donatelle
“I’m pretty optimistic about this season, we lost a lot of guys from last year but we are looking to rebuild. We’ve had a lot of new talent turn out, a lot of athletes so were looking good,”

Coach Outlook- Head Coach Tom Donatelle
“Springtime in Fayetteville brings warmer weather, an unceasing cloud of pine pollen, and most importantly, the start of the Cape Fear Men’s Lacrosse season. For those unfamiliar, lacrosse is known as the fastest game on two feet and is drawn from Native American roots. The Cape Fear lacrosse team that I have been blessed to coach continually distinguishes themselves through hard fought games and tireless work during the off season. Last year the team battled back from halftime deficits to emerge victorious over several opponents. This is the defining character of the team; never quit and always playing to the last whistle. This season I expect that we will have our share of hard fought games that will test our team’s resolve, and I remain confident that our team will represent themselves and the school well. We are excited to get the season underway in February and welcome those interested in joining or watching the fastest growing sport in Fayetteville. Regardless of your sports background, there is a place for you on the field as a player, a supporter or a fan. Go Colts!”