Norwich — The “White Mamba,” otherwise known as former NBA player Brian Scalabrine, swung by Waterford High School on Thursday to speak to the student body.

“He talked about every play is a game to him,” said Chris Landry, the Lancers’ boys’ lacrosse coach. “‘If I’m playing defense, I need to get over a screen. I need to win that game right there,’ the games within the games. And I thought that was a pretty cool message.”

“We see a lot of those games within a game. I don’t know if the kids put it in those terms yet, but that’s what it is. You have to win the game within a game. Every time I go against you, I’ve got to win that game.”

Waterford won a lot of games within a game defensively against the Wildcats. Last year's CIAC Class S runnerup held Norwich Free Academy scoreless for 22 minutes, 16 seconds to win its first game of the young season, 13-4, on a cold and blustery Thursday afternoon.

It's especially notable that the Lancers didn't allow a goal for that long because everyone on the defensive unit is either new or, in the case of senior Kevin Close, switched from short stick to long stick.

“Last year, we had really tough kids,” Landry said. “We had Luke Barrs, Spencer Hoagland, Jack Erricson. They were tough kids. This group, they're tough, but they’re more cerebral. They're tough, cerebral, fast and athletic, so the difference is we have really tough kids who are great one-on-one and play really good team defense.

“I’ll take team defense every day. I loved those guys last year, and they were a special group. … (this) team defense is strong, and that’s the key. I always tell guys all the time, ‘if you get beat, get beat to the right spot. It’s okay if you get beat, but if we know where the offense is going, then that’s to our advantage.”

Close, who scored clutch goals to help the Eastern Connecticut Eagles win the Division III state hockey title last month, digs playing defense for Waterford.

“I think you’re really close with the other players on defense,” Close said. “It’s a little family within a larger family. It’s good. It’s fun. … It’s a really tight-knit group. You’re all brothers.”

Michael LaForte had two goals and four assists for the Lancers and Kyle Jacobson had three goals and an assist. Logan Bowdish and Ryan Huta each added three goals, and Caleb Holdridge had two goals and an assist.

It was the season-opener for NFA, which graduated eight starters, making Waterford a less-than desirable opening day opponent.

Andrew Bannon had a goal and an assist for the Wildcats. Chris Ladyga, Matt Langley and Dominic Renfree all scored, too.

“Waterford is always a huge opponent for us, so starting with them is rough,” NFA coach Nate Wheeler said. “But I think it’s good for us, to show our weaknesses and where we need to improve. And it’s good to get that out now.”

n.griffen@theday.com