Chaminade's Sean Cerrone has three goals in win over Ward Melville

Sean Cerrone cocked his arm and unleashed. The lacrosse ball found the back of the net and he was credited with an unassisted goal. More importantly, at least to Chaminade coach Jack Moran, Cerrone scored using a powerful overhand shot.

For a moment Saturday, Cerrone's shooting mechanics resembled the way he fired touchdown passes as the school's starting quarterback. And that's what Moran would like to see more often.

"It's very close to the same overhand motion. Just like this," said Moran, his right arm near his ear, as he threw an imaginary football. "He has such a great work ethic and we've worked with him a lot in the winter on developing more of an overhand, power shot instead of shooting it from three-quarters."

It worked in the season-opener. Cerrone had three goals and two assists as host Chaminade defeated Ward Melville, 10-5, in non-league. His overhand strike from about 10 yards occurred one minute into the second quarter and gave the Flyers a 5-0 advantage.

"The shots looked good during warm-ups," Cerrone said. "I think it's a credit to a lot of hard work and wanting to continue to get better and win."

John Brennan and Sam Bonafede each contributed a pair of goals and Jack Tigh had one goal and two assists for the Flyers, who got off to a fast start with a 7-1 lead at halftime. Cerrone put Chaminade ahead 8-1 with 9:16 left in the third quarter.

"Over the offseason, Sean really worked on his shooting and he really brought it to the table today so I'm proud of him," said Bonafede, who is regarded by many as one of the top players on Long Island.

SEE PHOTOSChaminade vs. Ward Melville

Chaminade dominated possession, especially early, with Bonafede and Andrew Buffalino winning faceoffs.

Patrick Roarty had two goals and two assists and Danny Bucaro added two goals and one assist for Ward Melville, the defending Class A state champion. Chaminade won the CHSAA AAA state title last season, and goalie Matt Isnardi, who recorded nine saves, including a few pretty ones late, and others seemingly are ready to embrace starting positions.

"In the first quarter and first half, our offense lit up, so it gives you, mentally, some cushion and it gives you the ability to play aggressive in the goal," Isnardi said.

Much like Isnardi, Bonafede and others, Cerrone said he's ready to make the most of his new role in his senior season.

"Sam and I are just trying our best to take on our job as leaders, especially at midfield, playing offense and defense," said Cerrone, who also had four ground balls. "We want to have a special season and we want to lead by example."