Waltham High School boys lacrosse will have a new look in 2026

The year 2026 represents a fresh start for the Waltham High School boys lacrosse team.

Thirteen seniors from last spring’s tournament team graduated, including all three Dual County League All-Stars, meaning new Hawks must fill numerous roles. Fifth-year coach Eddie Villafane anticipates a team competing for another tournament berth.

“It’s a next man up kind of thing,” Villafane said. “We have a bunch of guys who have varsity experience. We have a heavy junior class, and a lot of those guys are going to get a chance to show what they have.” 

Key offensive returners are juniors Nick Babigian, Leo DiSchino, Jack Fox and Benicio Villafane and sophomore Oliver Ouligan.

“Our top three offensive players have proven themselves, and we’re looking for guys to step up,” Villafane said. 

Defense will be a strength, especially the long stick players. Long stick senior Jack Kelly and juniors Garo Gebeyan and Orion Willoughby return. Junior short stick defensive midfielder Savva Vasiliadis is another player to watch.

Football captains and seniors Brock Deveaux, a short stick midfielder, and Ryan Dragone, a long stick defender, show extra promise after a lot of offseason work. Neither have a extensive varsity experience but should see big roles. 

“As soon as football was over, they picked up their sticks and wanted to give it everything they had,” Villafane said.

“Goalkeeper is between sophomore Ryan Kelly and senior Colin O’Brien. It could start as a committee approach, but the hot hand will always play,” Villafane said. Replacing two-time All-League performer Jack Ouligian, now playing club lacrosse at Quinnipiac, is a tall task. 

Two youngesters will make an impact. Freshman Jason Wilder is the primary face-off taker and sophomore Cash Eaton will be a change-of-pace player.  

Waltham went 12-6 last year, earning a spot in the MIAA Division 1 Tournament and bypassing the preliminary round. Seeded No. 21, the Hawks fell 10-0 to No. 12 Franklin in the Round of 32. Right after, they joined a summer league. The continuity is strong, Villafane said. It’s not a rebuild. 

The Hawks open the regular season at home on Tuesday, March 26 at 6 p.m. vs. DCL foe Boston Latin. Other key games from the 18-match slate include:

• April 7, 4:15 p.m. @ Westford Academy
• April 9, 4:30 p.m. @ Acton-Boxboro 
• April 14, 6 p.m. vs. Weston 
• April 20, 4 p.m. vs. Arlington 
• April 25, 11 a.m. @ Newton North 
• April 30, 4:30 p.m. @ Concord-Carlisle 

The early-season contest against Weston could determine the DCL small leader.

“It’s a tough schedule not including our DCL schedules which has state championship contenders,” Villafane said. “We’ll be tested.”