The Barrington High School boys lacrosse team has battled through absences and injuries through the first half of the season. 

“We had one game where we’ve had our entire team,” said BHS Coach Bill Horn. “We don’t have a lot of depth. We’re a relatively light squad.”

The result, heading into Sunday’s home game against Mount St. Charles, was a 2-5 record and a spot near the bottom of the Division One standings. 

But in front of the home field crowd on Sunday afternoon, the Eagles powered to a 9-6 victory over the Mounties. The win propelled the Eagles into fourth place. 

Coach Horn said the message to his team prior to Sunday’s game was simple: We need a win. 

“I don’t care if it’s a 2-1 win,” he said. “Each game matters. Don’t look past anyone. Each game needs to be won. And each game can be won in different ways.”

Coach Horn said his team is still working hard each day.

“No one’s throwing in the towel or giving up,” he said. “No one’s hanging their heads.”

Coach Horn said the Eagles played the first-half of the season without some key attackers. That allowed the opposition an opportunity to key on one of Barrington’s top remaining offensive threats — Jake Ignall. 

“He’s a known entity,” Coach Horn said. “He’s trying to adjust his role now.”

Ignall, a prolific scorer, typically faces a mob of defenders, said Coach Horn. That challenge has led Ignall to become more of a distributor, setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities. 

“He’s been very unselfish and adapted to that role,” said Coach Horn.

Despite facing multiple defenders, Ignall is still finding ways to score goals and assist on others.

Coach Horn mentioned a handful of other players who have stepped up so far this season. He said Onson Tieu, Dylan Edwards, Nick Spaight and Peyton Hillier have played well. 

The challenge, Horn said, “is finding that right mix” of players.

Coach Horn said the defense has been an unexpected bright spot so far this season. He praised the play of goalie Grant Isdale, defenders Jack Robinson, Troy Van Ness, Ryan Owens, Dylan Ignall, Hayden Knight, Gavin Nelson, and short-stick defensive middies John O’Connell and Evan Anderson. 

“Our defense has really stepped up,” Coach Horn said.  

Despite the tough start, Barrington will have a few things to look forward to during the second half of the season. For starters, the Eagles will be playing more home games. Five of the Eagles’ first seven games were on the road this year. 

Coach Horn said he is also expecting some of the injured players to return to action soon. 

Barrington was scheduled to host East Greenwich on Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. The Eagles play at home against LaSalle on May 3, and home against Moses Brown on May 7.