Close games could define Sewanhaka Ravens boys lacrosse season

After a challenging 2-13 campaign last spring, the Sewanhaka boys’ lacrosse team is aiming for a turnaround in 2026, bolstered by emerging junior talent and experienced senior leadership.

Sewanhaka went 6-10 in 2024 before facing a tougher slate a year ago, but the Ravens showed resilience late, closing the season with a key divisional win that carried momentum into the offseason. With more experience and a better understanding of how to finish games, coach Connor Horl believes those lessons can translate into results this spring.

“It was kind of a down year,” he said. “We had some injuries. But we ended by beating Division, which I think kind of propelled us into the winter this year. I think we're going to need to win some of these close games. If we win those 10-8 games and don't lose them, then, yes, I think we're a playoff team.”

Senior standout A.J. Ayau returns as the team’s top offensive threat following a 28-goal campaign and remains a focal point for opposing defenses. An All-Conference selection, he will be counted on to lead the attack and create opportunities for others.

A strong junior class is also expected to play a major role, led by brothers Mahmood and Jawad Kamal, who have already flashed offensive upside and bring versatility across the field.

“They’ll be our Swiss Army knives this year,” Horl said. “I guess the easiest way [to compare them] is by their football positions. Jawad is like a tight end, wide receiver, linebacker, and I would say Mahmoud is a quarterback of the offense. He's probably got one of the best shots on the team. Jawad is that role guy, a leader that's quiet, that will step up and play anywhere and do anything I ask him to do.”

Defensively, senior Deo Uzagir and junior Aiden Jacob, along with Anderson Campos-Torres, will anchor a unit that showed promise last year. In between the pipes, senior Erik Ayala steps into a full-time role.

To read more about the Sewanhaka Ravens' 2026 girls lacrosse team, click here. To see more of the Herald’s 2026 Lacrosse Preview, click here.