Patrick Watson’s name probably won’t be high on the list of leading scorers in Hockomock League lacrosse this year but that shouldn’t lessen his value as a Franklin High midfielder.
The 5-foot-9, 150-pound senior captain, who was a league all-star last year, is not only a key cog in the Panthers lineup, but his veteran presence on the varsity also coincides with Franklin’s domination of the Hockomock League standings. The Panthers have won four straight league crowns and they’ve gone unbeaten in the circuit for the last two seasons.
Watson scored only six goals last year, but he did get 20 assists — a statistic that emphasizes his value and his unselfish style.
“Patrick has a high lacrosse IQ and great instincts,’’ said coach Lou Verrochi. “He’s outstanding in transition and rarely makes a mistake. A heady player who’s constantly on the go, he’s able to put himself in position where he gets to the ball. He’s been accepted at Springfield College where he’ll be playing next spring.’’
Watson’s effort in last year’s game against Foxboro is a testament to his skills and what makes him tick as a lacrosse player.
“One of our teammates was in an automobile accident and there was some question if the game would be played,’’ Watson recalled. “We did play but we led by only a 3-2 score at the half. We eventually overcame the adversity of the day. I got to a lot of ground balls and assisted on three goals in 30 seconds, helping us pull away for an 11-2 victory.’’
Relying on strengths like mental toughness, speed, quickness and field awareness, Watson is a steady force in the midfield. “The key for me is getting my teammates involved,’’ he noted. “I like quarterbacking the offense in transition, and I try to win all the ground balls and 50-50 situations.’’
As a tri-captain this season, Watson is leading by example and that translates to getting his teammates involved in scoring chances. “It’s important that others view me as a player willing to settle for an assist rather than scoring goals,’’ he said. “I prefer seeing others score. In lacrosse, teams win if they put the ball in the net, and it really doesn’t matter who’s scoring as long as we win.’’
So far this season, Franklin has compiled a 4-1 record at Local Town Pages deadline and Watson’s statistics reflect his approach. He’s scored four goals and assisted on seven others.
Watson admires Franklin’s other two captains — seniors Wyatt and Sam Arsenault — and he’s also a fan of his coach’s style.
“Wyatt and Sam are twins who are strong players,’’ Watson said. “Wyatt plays close defense and Sam plays attack. Wyatt is intelligent, knows his position and is fundamentally sound while Sam has great skills and is a well-rounded player. Coach Verrochi is a great motivator, knows the game and calls the right plays. He’s able to detect flaws in our game and help us correct them.’’
Setting goals is important and Watson would like to see his final season at Franklin end with a state title. “That’s a lofty goal but winning the Division 1 Sectional championship is probably more realistic,’’ he said. “We also want to win another Hockomock League crown. Individually, my objectives are to keep improving, increase my statistics and aim for another league all-star berth. In the end, however, winning is more important than my numbers.’’
Watson, who played two varsity seasons of football, was a captain for the Panthers’ eleven last fall. A cornerback as a junior, he played wide receiver as a senior and had 35 receptions for 350 yards and two touchdowns. Lacrosse, however, is the sport he’ll focus on at Springfield. An honor-roll student (honor society in Spanish), he plans to major in sports management.
“I want to be an athletic director and possibly coach,’’ Watson said. “I’m also looking forward to playing lacrosse in college. Coach (Keith) Bugbee has seen me play and he keeps in contact. The transition to college lacrosse will involve a faster game and bigger players. That’s why I’ll be working on strength and conditioning this summer.’’
And, Watson, who’s played club lacrosse for the last six years, no doubt will strive to sharpen his scoring skills. “My shooting ability is inconsistent,’’ he said. “I’ll continue to work on it in practice by dealing with pressure situations.’’
Relying on an athletic philosophy of competing hard, reaching his potential and enjoying the game, Watson is a student of lacrosse who realizes that it teaches life lessons. “Overcoming adversity is an important life lesson you learn in lacrosse,’’ he emphasized. “When a mistake is made, you need the mental toughness to bounce back.’’
Watson is acutely aware that his Franklin career is nearing an end and that a new chapter of his life will soon be unfolding in college. “It’s bittersweet,’’ he says. “I was involved with football when I was eight and started playing lacrosse at age 10. My father, who’s an assistant coach with the Franklin football team, has worked a lot with me in sports. I’ll miss it all but the challenge ahead is exciting, and I’m eager to get started.’’
Patrick Watson will experience success at Springfield, much like he has in lacrosse at Franklin. Because he’s a team-first type of competitor.
Issue Date:
May, 2017
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