There's a new dynasty brewing in Passaic County boys lacrosse, and it's wearing West Milford blue.
In a heart-stopping championship clash that had fans on the edge of their seats, the top-seeded Highlanders finally broke through to claim their first-ever county title, edging out second-seeded Wayne Valley 8-7 on Saturday at Valley Road. For a program that had endured the agony of three straight finals losses to the same opponent from 2023 to 2025, this victory was nothing short of redemption.
The hero of the day? Senior goalie Tyler Acanfrio, who stood tall between the pipes with an incredible 17 saves, turning away shot after shot to keep his team in control. On offense, Jacob Price led a balanced attack with two goals, showcasing the depth that made West Milford the team to beat all season.
But Wayne Valley wasn't about to go down without a fight. The defending champs mounted a furious comeback, scoring the final four goals of the game—including one with just four seconds remaining on the clock. The tension was palpable as the crowd held its breath during the ensuing faceoff. That's when Highlanders FOGO (faceoff, get-off) specialist Brendan Coscia stepped up, winning the draw and pushing the ball forward as time expired, sealing the historic win.
For the Highlanders and their faithful, this wasn't just a game—it was a statement. After years of coming up short, West Milford has finally claimed its place at the top of the Passaic County lacrosse mountain.
