MATTAPOISETT — The matchups in a game of boys lacrosse are physical, said Old Rochester Regional High School boys’ lacrosse coach Michael Forns.

“When it comes down to it, 18-year-olds are 18-year-olds … they're going to want to play hard,” he said

And during a matchup against the Apponequet Lakers on Friday, April 14, the Bulldogs kept up the pressure, ending with an 18-5 victory in their second game of the season.

But that win didn’t come without a challenge.

The Bulldogs countered the Lakers’ early-game lead by switching up their strategy and adapting to the game in front of them.

“You’ve got to be able to make adjustments,” said Forns. “That’s the beauty of having four quarters — you might go into it thinking you get a game plan, but you might have to switch [it up].”

Aggressive plays from equally aggressive players brought the scores closer together until the Bulldogs took — and kept — the lead.

Looking forward to the rest of the season, Forns is confident that the Bulldogs will have a competitive advantage against other teams in the league.

With a roster of mostly returning players, the team is “building off of what we had last year,” said Forns. “So I think we're going to be a little stronger.”

“Their IQ is in a better place than it was last year,” said Forns. “They're starting to read the game better, understand it better, work with each other [better].”

Returning players like captain Brady Lee, strengthen the team.

“He's strong, he's fast, he's smart … he is the quintessential complete player,” said Forns. “What makes him standout is that he still plays with joy.”

According to Forns, Wareham transfer student Andrew Nee will “complement” the team’s offense.

“We might have some extra skill, but there's [still] going to be some dogfights in there, and we're going to get banged up. So it's always going to be competitive. The kids look forward to it.