Mars scores early, clamps down late to battle past South Fayette for 9th straight WPIAL boys lacrosse title

By: Giustino Racchini
Friday, May 23, 2025 | 11:19 PM

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Few schools can say they have won nine straight titles in any sport in the WPIAL and beyond, but the Mars boys lacrosse team has shown that its dynasty will live on.

Second-seeded Mars won a heavy defensive battle, controlling possession in the second half when necessary and slamming the door shut in the end of a 7-5 victory over top-seeded South Fayette in the Class 2A championship game Friday at Upper St. Clair.

Grant Weaver ignited a flame early on that refused to go out for a team that has gotten comfortable with being at the top.

The Fightin’ Planets (18-2) jumped out of the gates like they were chased by bees with an emphatic 4-1 lead after the first quarter.

Weaver, a 6-foot midfielder, led the way with two goals in the quarter, an emphatic message to the South Fayette faithful that Mars was built differently.

South Fayette (19-1) was able to hang around and cut the deficit to two goals at multiple instances, but when Mars got possession, it capitalized.

Drew Welhorsky had himself a ballgame for South Fayette. He had a hat trick and added an assist, keeping the Lions afloat.

The second half of play slowed down, which was just what the doctor ordered for Mars. South Fayette could not generate anything offensively, and penalties didn’t help them either.

“It all starts with our goaltender, Luke Spreng,” Mars coach Bob Marcoux said. “He had a bunch of huge saves for us, and I think that was the difference in the game tonight.”

Thankfully for the Lions, Mars did not capitalize on any chances on the man up to give South Fayette a shot at coming back.

Last year in the WPIAL championship between the same two teams, Mars ran South Fayette out of the building with a commanding 16-5 victory.

Although this story was different, Mars has found a way to win all season long, despite not scoring at the clip it may be accustomed to.

“There was definitely some pressure there, but we prepared hard, so I was confident for us today,” Weaver said.

Both teams have advanced to the PIAA tournament with first-round matchups to be announced.

Tags: Mars, South Fayette