Fox Chapel boys lacrosse checking boxes during historic season

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 11:01 AM

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The Fox Chapel boys lacrosse program picked up the first section title in program history. The Foxes, who earned the second seed in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, made sure to show everyone that they mean business.

Fox Chapel — behind four goals from Griffin McCaffrey — knocked down No. 7 Canon-McMillan, 11-5, on May 13 at home to march onto the semifinals. It was the Foxes’ first playoff win since 2024.

“The defense played well,” Foxes coach Jordon Hodder said. “They got hot in the fourth quarter. We were able to stifle them out.”

The Foxes (15-2) finished in a tie for first place with Shady Side Academy. Fox Chapel, however, picked up a head-to-head win on the road during its meeting in section play. Tucker Cullen scored a goal in double overtime to help the Foxes secure an 8-7 win.

The Foxes will need some more magic to get past their neighbors. Shady Side Academy also won its first-round playoff game, beating Upper St. Clair in overtime.

Results from the clash between the Foxes and Bulldogs in the semifinals were too late for this edition.

Hodder said winning the section and opening with a playoff win was a nice stretch for the program.

“It’s all about the players,” Hodder said. “They’ve done such a good job of keeping their heads down and playing. They are still high schoolers, and they have to be reminded to stay focused, but they’ve been calm in uncomfortable situations. They’ve found ways to scrap and win. That’s the biggest change. Even when they aren’t playing their best, they are able to figure out ways to battle through it.”

Hodder said that Fox Chapel has been able to lean on its experienced lineup throughout the season. The Foxes have 10 seniors and many juniors who contribute.

Against the Big Macs, Hodder said he felt the team worked well to slow down a dangerous offense.

“They played together,” Hodder said. “On defense, we communicated. Canon-Mac has a talented offense. They played together and our defense stayed composed. They grinded it out to stay patient and made it hard on them tonight.”

Fox Chapel is hoping to find a way to play for a WPIAL crown. Hodder said the Foxes need to continue with the trend they started.

“We want to stay together as a team and stay positive,” Hodder said. “We have to keep playing together. We don’t want anyone to take our locker room from us. We want to keep playing with grit and heart. They’ve become a physical team and aren’t afraid to be physical. We want to be opportunistic and value the ball.”

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