Staples High Schools' Kip Orban spoiled a stirring comeback  by the Ridgefield boys lacrosse team Thursday.

Orban scored his fifth goal of the game 48 seconds into overtime, lifting the Wreckers to an 11-10 victory over the Tigers in Westport.

Ridgefield, which graduated eight of 10 starters, including four all-Americans, rallied from a five-goal deficit in the final five minutes of regulation to force overtime.

"There's no moral victories, there's no such thing," Tigers coach Roy Colsey said. "We didn't play our full game. But that's all right, (it's the) first game."

Despite Ridgefield's graduation losses, it still was a big win for Staples over one of the state's powerhouse programs. Last year, the Tigers finished 20-2, losing only to Lawrenceville, a prep school in New Jersey, and Fairfield Prep in the semifinals of the Class L state tournament.

"(Ridgefield) is definitely a great team," Orban said. "I think last year we put Staples on the map and this year we're definitely coming out to elevate our status to push on to the (FCIAC) finals. I think that was a good start to the season—a good win for us to get momentum."

Ridgefield received a power play with 35 seconds to go and the Tigers took advantage, as Aiden Scott registered his fifth goal of the contest with just eight ticks left to force overtime. He scored four goals in the final period.

But Staples won the opening faceoff to start overtime, and Orban set up with the ball behind the Ridgefield net. He circled in front and slammed home the game-winner.

"Orban is a great kid," Ridgefield coach Colsey said. "I'm happy for him. He got the game-winner. If you got to lose, he's the kid you want to get that goal. He's a real classy kid." 

It was extra special for the junior because three of Ridgefield's players were Orban's teammates on his summer league team when he was younger.

"We have a friendly rivalry, but we're really close friends," Orban said.

Kyle Mendelson and Charlie Ross each scored a pair for the Wreckers, who are trying to build on last season's 10-8 finish. They would like to get their program on the same level as Ridgefield's.

"We want to be a strong program," Staples coach Paul McNulty said. "Ridgefield is the defending (FCIAC) champs. Let's see if we're going to do something. Let's start showing it in the first game against Ridgefield."

Staples showed a lot, and appeared to be in control when Orban scored his fourth goal with 5:22 remaining to give the Wreckers their five-goal cushion.

But Scott banged home two in a 20-second span to pull the Tigers within 10-7 with 4:48 remaining.

Ridgefield crept closer on a goal by Jack Philibin with 2:56 remaining before the Tigers' Aaron Mathias made it a one-goal contest with 69 seconds to play.

"It's kind of draining (to squander the lead)," Orban said. "We're trying to keep the morale up on the sidelines, but I think our team did a good job, stayed focused. We regrouped. We came out strong."