Lazzaro Labeled ‘Franklin’s Most Complete’ Lacrosse Player
By KEN HAMWEY,
Staff Sports Writer
Consider what the 18-year-old senior has achieved in his 2½-year varsity career — 52 points as a freshman (25 goals and 27 assists); 122 points (68 goals and 54 assists) as a sophomore; consensus all-American honors as a sophomore; scholarship offers from Boston University and Penn State; a first team Hockomock League all-star choice as a sophomore; and selection as a Panthers’ captain this season.
Here’s how Verrochi summarizes the strengths of his 5-foot-10, 170-pound attackman. “Matt has a super high lacrosse IQ,’’ the coach said. “He’s athletic, has speed and quickness, is tough as nails and his field vision is excellent. Highly motivated, Matt is a competitor who’s an accurate shooter and an outstanding passer. A captain who leads by example and by being vocal, he’s got a great demeanor. He’s just very special.’’
When Lazzaro heard about Verrochi’s complete-player label, the Franklin native said: “I’m tremendously humbled to hear coach Verrochi’s opinion, because there have been many great players who’ve gone through the program. I’m awed by his words.’’
Lacrosse is a sport that’s taken command of Lazzaro’s heart. He began playing it as a six-year-old in Franklin’s youth program, and he’s been competing at the club level for 10 years.
“I like lacrosse because of its fast pace,’’ he offered. “It also requires a competitive and aggressive nature. Playing attack is enjoyable. I like scoring goals, but the position has passing and defense associated with it. Those are ways to contribute. Assisting on a goal is just as effective as scoring a goal.’’
College coaches and scouts noticed Lazzaro’s smooth and aggressive style early on. Boston University offered him a scholarship in his junior year, but when the pandemic hit, he conferred with his parents and decided to decommit, opting instead to attend prep school at Deerfield Academic for a year. Penn State, however, offered him a scholarship last fall, which he has accepted.
“Both BU and Penn State have traditionally strong programs,’’ Lazzaro emphasized. “I decided on prep school, because it’ll provide more preparation for the future. It’ll be exciting to eventually play for Penn State.’’
Now in his final year with the Panthers, Lazzaro is pleased to be competing after having his junior season canceled because of Covid-19. His team objectives are lofty and his individual goals are admirable.
“My team goals are to win the Kelly-Rex Division title, the sectional crown and the state title,’’ Lazzaro said. “My personal goals are to be the best leader I can be and to help take our team to the highest level possible. The team goals are big challenges, but we’ll strive to achieve them. They’re possible.’’
At Local Town Pages deadline, the Panthers had a 5-0 record and Lazzaro had 8 goals and 5 assists. However, a foot injury forced Lazzaro to miss two games, and in Franklin’s first three victories, he played only two quarters in each of those triumphs.
Lazzaro’s most memorable game came as a sophomore in a non-league clash against Boston College High. Franklin won, 10-9, in overtime.
“I scored six goals and had three assists,’’ he recalled. “I got the winning goal by firing an outside shot that beat goalie Jamie Horton, who was a teammate of mine in club lacrosse. He played an awesome game in goal, but all the credit goes to my teammates. All the points and assists I got in my first two years on the varsity reflect a team-oriented approach. Being selfish doesn’t play well in team sports.’’
Lazzaro also credits his teammates for his all-America honors as a sophomore. Representatives and coaches from the state’s lacrosse leagues voted, and he was a consensus choice.
“My teammates helped me get that award,’’ Lazzaro emphasized. “The award was for our team. I’m honored to compete with great guys and glad that the honor is a reflection of the Franklin High lacrosse program.’’
Lazzaro is quick to point to contributions of Franklin’s other senior captains — midfielder Owen Kielty, defenseman Zach Harvey, and goalie Jack Maguire.
“Owen is skilled and adept in transition,’’ Lazzaro said. “Zach’s stickwork is great and he’s got a nose for ground balls. Jack is strong in net and always reliable to make a key save.’’
Verrochi also draws laudable comments from Lazzaro. “Our coach is intelligent, motivating and highly respected,’’ he said. “He’s done a remarkable job stressing the value of fundamentals.’’
When Lazzaro finishes his prep year then begins his frosh season with the Nittany Lions, he’s acutely aware that if his transition is to go smoothly, he’ll have to bank on some key attributes. “The college game will be faster and the talent level will be top-notch,’’ he said. “What I’ll rely on is a high lacrosse IQ and mental toughness.’’
Calling his parents (Lisa and Neil) roles models for their support and encouragement, Lazzaro’s competitive philosophy is a combination of winning, having fun and reaching his potential. “Winning is important,’’ he noted. “And, when playing lacrosse, I’m in enjoyment mode, always trying to do my best, whether it’s scoring, assisting or making a defensive stop.’’
Lazzaro has had highs and lows in an athletic career that’s focused solely on lacrosse. His top thrill wasn’t earning all-American honors, Hockomock League all-star recognition or being named a captain. It came when he was named a starter as a freshman attacker.
My brother (Sean) was a senior on that team,’’ Lazzaro said. He was a starter as a long stick midfielder. He was very helpful in my development, and I was glad to be his teammate.’’
Staff Sports Writer
Matt Lazzaro has been labeled “the most complete player in the program’s history’’ by coach Lou Verrochi, who started lacrosse at Franklin High 25 years ago.
Consider what the 18-year-old senior has achieved in his 2½-year varsity career — 52 points as a freshman (25 goals and 27 assists); 122 points (68 goals and 54 assists) as a sophomore; consensus all-American honors as a sophomore; scholarship offers from Boston University and Penn State; a first team Hockomock League all-star choice as a sophomore; and selection as a Panthers’ captain this season.
Here’s how Verrochi summarizes the strengths of his 5-foot-10, 170-pound attackman. “Matt has a super high lacrosse IQ,’’ the coach said. “He’s athletic, has speed and quickness, is tough as nails and his field vision is excellent. Highly motivated, Matt is a competitor who’s an accurate shooter and an outstanding passer. A captain who leads by example and by being vocal, he’s got a great demeanor. He’s just very special.’’
When Lazzaro heard about Verrochi’s complete-player label, the Franklin native said: “I’m tremendously humbled to hear coach Verrochi’s opinion, because there have been many great players who’ve gone through the program. I’m awed by his words.’’
Lacrosse is a sport that’s taken command of Lazzaro’s heart. He began playing it as a six-year-old in Franklin’s youth program, and he’s been competing at the club level for 10 years.
“I like lacrosse because of its fast pace,’’ he offered. “It also requires a competitive and aggressive nature. Playing attack is enjoyable. I like scoring goals, but the position has passing and defense associated with it. Those are ways to contribute. Assisting on a goal is just as effective as scoring a goal.’’
College coaches and scouts noticed Lazzaro’s smooth and aggressive style early on. Boston University offered him a scholarship in his junior year, but when the pandemic hit, he conferred with his parents and decided to decommit, opting instead to attend prep school at Deerfield Academic for a year. Penn State, however, offered him a scholarship last fall, which he has accepted.
“Both BU and Penn State have traditionally strong programs,’’ Lazzaro emphasized. “I decided on prep school, because it’ll provide more preparation for the future. It’ll be exciting to eventually play for Penn State.’’
Now in his final year with the Panthers, Lazzaro is pleased to be competing after having his junior season canceled because of Covid-19. His team objectives are lofty and his individual goals are admirable.
“My team goals are to win the Kelly-Rex Division title, the sectional crown and the state title,’’ Lazzaro said. “My personal goals are to be the best leader I can be and to help take our team to the highest level possible. The team goals are big challenges, but we’ll strive to achieve them. They’re possible.’’
At Local Town Pages deadline, the Panthers had a 5-0 record and Lazzaro had 8 goals and 5 assists. However, a foot injury forced Lazzaro to miss two games, and in Franklin’s first three victories, he played only two quarters in each of those triumphs.
Lazzaro’s most memorable game came as a sophomore in a non-league clash against Boston College High. Franklin won, 10-9, in overtime.
“I scored six goals and had three assists,’’ he recalled. “I got the winning goal by firing an outside shot that beat goalie Jamie Horton, who was a teammate of mine in club lacrosse. He played an awesome game in goal, but all the credit goes to my teammates. All the points and assists I got in my first two years on the varsity reflect a team-oriented approach. Being selfish doesn’t play well in team sports.’’
Lazzaro also credits his teammates for his all-America honors as a sophomore. Representatives and coaches from the state’s lacrosse leagues voted, and he was a consensus choice.
“My teammates helped me get that award,’’ Lazzaro emphasized. “The award was for our team. I’m honored to compete with great guys and glad that the honor is a reflection of the Franklin High lacrosse program.’’
Lazzaro is quick to point to contributions of Franklin’s other senior captains — midfielder Owen Kielty, defenseman Zach Harvey, and goalie Jack Maguire.
“Owen is skilled and adept in transition,’’ Lazzaro said. “Zach’s stickwork is great and he’s got a nose for ground balls. Jack is strong in net and always reliable to make a key save.’’
Verrochi also draws laudable comments from Lazzaro. “Our coach is intelligent, motivating and highly respected,’’ he said. “He’s done a remarkable job stressing the value of fundamentals.’’
When Lazzaro finishes his prep year then begins his frosh season with the Nittany Lions, he’s acutely aware that if his transition is to go smoothly, he’ll have to bank on some key attributes. “The college game will be faster and the talent level will be top-notch,’’ he said. “What I’ll rely on is a high lacrosse IQ and mental toughness.’’
Calling his parents (Lisa and Neil) roles models for their support and encouragement, Lazzaro’s competitive philosophy is a combination of winning, having fun and reaching his potential. “Winning is important,’’ he noted. “And, when playing lacrosse, I’m in enjoyment mode, always trying to do my best, whether it’s scoring, assisting or making a defensive stop.’’
Lazzaro has had highs and lows in an athletic career that’s focused solely on lacrosse. His top thrill wasn’t earning all-American honors, Hockomock League all-star recognition or being named a captain. It came when he was named a starter as a freshman attacker.
My brother (Sean) was a senior on that team,’’ Lazzaro said. He was a starter as a long stick midfielder. He was very helpful in my development, and I was glad to be his teammate.’’
