Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Wantagh boys’ lacrosse team made history last year with its first Long Island title since 2001 and is now gunning for more.
The Warriors captured the Long Island Class C crown with 16-15 victory against Kings Park just days after a dramatic 11-10 overtime win against South Side on the county finals stage. The championship run ended with a 21-14 loss to Somers in the state semifinals giving the many returning players extra fuel for another trophy.
“The guys that are returning they got a taste of it and they are hungry,” said seventh-year Wantagh coach James Polo. “They want the ultimate prize and they are showing it every day in practice.”
Wantagh returns plenty of firepower from last year’s 15-5 team, including two reigning All Americans in senior attackman Devin Paccione and senior midfielder Joseph Nicholson. Both have committed to play Division I men’s college lacrosse next season at Villanova.
The Warriors also bring back senior midfielder Carter Loughman, an Albany commit who was named MVP of the Long Island championship with four goals. Sophomore reigning All County attackman Luke Martini and senior Matt Giacobello bring additional firepower to the Wantagh offense after playing an integral role in last year's championship run.
Senior goalie Gianni Passaro, a Mount St. Mary's University commit, anchors the defense after a big junior season in which he registered 12 saves in the Long Island finals. Sophomore Brendan O'Callaghan is a capable backup net-minder who will be ready to step in if needed, according to Polo.
The close defense in front of Passaro will feature senior PJ Falco, junior Patrick Forthofer and junior Chase Dankenbrink.
Polo returns two capable faceoff specialists in senior Jake Harkin and junior Joseph Divella
“We are very, very blessed to have such a great group of kids that just love the game and love being part of the Wantagh lacrosse program,” Polo said. “These kids are so committed.”
To read more about the Wantagh Warriors' 2026 girls lacrosse team, click here. To see more of the Herald’s 2026 Lacrosse Preview, click here.
