The Lambert Longhorns defeated Pope 10-7 on Saturday night to claim the state Class A-AAAA boys lacrosse championship, their second in a row.

It was also the school’s second state title in as many days, following the boys soccer team’s victory Friday night at home.

With the win, the Lambert lacrosse team extended its winning streak to 42 games and further cemented the status of the sport locally.

“When these seniors were in fifth grade, there were only 125 kids playing lacrosse in Forsyth County,” said Rick Wehman, the school’s director of

lacrosse. “Now, there are over 1,000 kids playing lacrosse and it’s growing.

“There was already some interest in the sport, so we took it and ran with it. The kids love the game. They can sign up for summer programs as early as fourth grade, and some travel to Charlotte and Baltimore. The sport has really taken off.”

Drew Ferrer, Lambert’s athletic director, credit’s the community for the progression of lacrosse.

“The people have been great,” he said. “We have a good feeder program that teaches kids the game and allows them to be successful. Most of the kids playing [lacrosse] play other sports too. It’s definitely a game that translates.”

The Dead Red Nation, a group of fans who tailgate for school sporting events, was out in full force Saturday at the ’Horn.

“We all showed up about two hours before the game to cook out and party,” said Graham Stovall, one of its members. “We all know that the lacrosse team isn’t going to lose, so it makes its even more fun for us. We got hooked on the game about two years ago.”

Check back for updates at forsythnews.com or see the next edition of the Forsyth County News for complete coverage.