GHSA lacrosse state championship updates from Friday

Girls -- Milton 11, West Forsyth 6

Milton hoisted its sixth consecutive state title and 16th in school history after defeating West Forsyth 11-6 in the championship game. The Lady Eagles were on the attack early, and took a 7-2 lead into halftime. West Forsyth kept the game close and pulled within four goals in the last two minutes to make things interesting, but Milton held on to secure the title. With the win, Milton continues to exert its dominance in the state of Georgia. Milton beat North Gwinnett 20-3, Cherokee 20-5, and Walton 17-7 on its way to the state championship. West Forsyth played in its first-ever state final after a great season with marquee wins against North Paulding, Charlotte Latin, and Charlotte Country Day. West Forsyth was led by Senior Noelle Kirley who had 61 goals and 21 assists for the Wolverines this season and averaged three goals a game. True Freshman Bryn Birkholz scored 45 goals in her first season as a starter

Boys -- West Forsyth 11, Lambert 9

A new champion was crowned in 7A as West Forsyth won a thrilling 11-9 matchup against Lambert to win its first state championship in school history. West Forsyth took control of the game early with a 5-1 lead. Lambert would answer with a 5-1 run before halftime to cut the deficit to one point. West Forsyth attacker James Davidson had three goals and two assists at the break. The game would remain nip and tuck throughout the second with Lambert tying the game up in the third quarter at 8-8. West Forsyth outscored the Longhorns 3-1 the rest of the game to secure the state championship and bragging rights against their area foe. West Forsyth made history throughout the season and achieved its first 20-win season in program history. On top of this, head coach John Laden was awarded 7A Boys Coach of the Year. Grayson Brockman and Will Zylstra were also All-State selections. West Forsyth did something for the first time in its program history earlier this year, the Wolverines defeated Lambert for the first time ever. That was the turning point between these two teams and the start of a rivalry that has been officially born as the Wolverines have defeated Lambert twice this season. Expect for these two schools to continue battling going forward and be in contention for more state championships. On its road to the state finals, West Forsyth avenged its only loss to Buford by beating them in the semifinals 11-10. The Wolverines also defeated Parkview 18-2 and North Paulding 10-7. Lambert was seeking to become the winningest program in boys history and looked to continue to mark its dominance the past five years, winning four championships in that span. It was a special game between two phenomenal programs who will have a lot to say about who is the best in 7A, but West Forsyth has the bragging rights going into next season until they are dethroned.