The West boys lacrosse team has struggled to win games the last several years, and the problem starts with the head coach.

Mike Bradford, head coach, has no problem admitting that.

The Blue Knights mentor has led his squad to one win so far this season, but Bradford has also seen his team lose games similar to the 14-1 setback on Thursday, April 30, against Central.

“I (agreed to coach the team) because nobody else wanted to do it. They weren’t going to have a program unless somebody stepped in to do it,” said Bradford. “I’m a wrestling coach. I don’t coach lacrosse.”

Despite his inexperience as a lacrosse coach, Bradford said his players are enjoying the season and giving the effort he asks of them on the field.

For example, a Blue Knight player gave his Little Green opponent a solid hit behind the net late in the fourth quarter, the outcome of the game long since decided. Central’s head coach, Bill Lawson, called a timeout.

“They don’t ever quit,” said Lawson after the contest. “In fact, I was actually a little annoyed with how hard they were playing considering the score.”

Lawson said the effort of Jon St. Charles, who played nearly the entire game for the Blue Knights, and the hard lefthanded shot of Bedford resident Andy Sterling were what impressed him most about West.

The Little Green jumped to a fast start, with a first-minute goal from Marc Perroni setting the stage for an eight-goal first quarter.

By halftime the score was 12-1, and Lawson told his team in the huddle they were not to shoot unless they passed the ball five times in the offensive zone.

Bradford said West, to keep a consistent flow on attack, must maintain its offensive set and avoid shooting at the very first opportunity, searching instead for a better opening.

During its 10-7 victory over Nashua North on April 23, Bradford said the Blue Knights had a much higher shooting percentage, something he’d like to become a habit.

Though West’s struggles continue on the field, Bradford said it is a learning experience for him and the players.

“They want to win. That’s why they keep coming back and keep giving it the best effort they can,” said Bradford. “Having a person who has coached lacrosse or actually played lacrosse would be great for the kids. Hopefully they can find someone who does that.”