Fall is a time for football, raking leaves, and...well, now lacrosse! PYA recently concluded its first-ever Fall Ball Lacrosse program and based on the turnout and the level of play it was a rip roaring success.

The program afforded fifth, sixth and seventh-grade lacrosse players the opportunity to extend the season on Saturday afternoon choose-up games at Lion's Field. The unique aspect of this program was that the kids ran the games themselves. Adults served as refs and timekeepers but the kids chose up sides, assigned positions and handled line changes. The players took their responsibilities seriously, shuffling positions based on the team's need and everyone received equal playing time.

"There are a lot of lacrosse players in Port Washington and for many of them the season is just too short," said Mark Lutin who ran the program. "These are the kids who would have spent Saturday afternoons at the Schreiber cages or playing lacrosse in each other's backyard. PYA made the field available and the kids took full advantage of it."

The games were well attended by parents and siblings and the program was blessed with nine weather-perfect Saturdays. Most of the games were close, with a two or three goal differential. Even though many of the seventh graders dominated due to their size and speed, the younger kids were not intimidated as they stepped up, checked hard, scored quite a few goals and made some good, key plays. The program gave everyone an opportunity to sharpen their skills, practice moves and try new positions.

The players and their fans were sad to see Fall Ball end but the good news is that spring lacrosse is only 16 weeks away.