A North Jersey lacrosse goalie is poised to break county records. But does he want them?

WANAQUE – Tyler Acanfrio would like the records. But deep down, he prefers the rings.

The West Milford sophomore is on a historic pace with 513 saves in his brief high school career. That number will go up on Saturday when the Highlanders take on Wayne Valley in the Passaic County final with a chance to avenge last year's championship loss.

At this point, Acanfrio is on track to break the North Jersey saves record held by former DePaul star Collin Modelski (903). The single-season record Modelski set (305) could be in play too if the Highlanders win a round or two this year in the state tournament.

Getting hit with a hard piece of rubber at high speed and high frequency is not for the faint of heart. Acanfrio says bring it.

Like his peers in hockey often say, a busy day at the office brings out the best.

"I do agree with that, actually," Acanfrio said. "It keeps you moving. It keeps you warm. If you're just standing there the whole game, you're not warm. You see a shot and it goes in."

As the youngest of three lacrosse-playing brothers, Acanfrio grew up with two shooters on call and a snapshot of life on the varsity level. So by the time he was pressed into action on Day 1 freshman year, the 5-foot-11 backstop was more than ready for the moment. Acanfrio led North Jersey in saves with 285 as a rookie and holds the top spot again this year with 228.

Another year in the program helped him develop a stronger bond with his defense and make crisper clears.

"The kid is unbelievable," coach Gary Stoll said. "Having him is like a secret weapon because we can go to that zone and say go ahead, shoot up top. He's probably going to save it most of the time. He's light out and he's only a sophomore, so we have to enjoy the ride. Players like him only come around once in a while."

All season long, the Highlanders (7-8) have relied on their defense to win low-scoring games and bolster a team that's often shuffled players around in search of the optimal lineup.

While Acanfrio has been a critical piece with a .697 save percentage, he sees his mates in the back as a key to his statistical success. Holding opponents under seven a game is not a one-man feat, but a team effort with senior pole Matthew Watt and sophomores Pat Foley and Stephen Dellagicoma.

"With how my defense plays, the shots I'm getting are outside shots," Acanfrio said. "They play great in the zone. I have to thank all of them."

Acanfrio began playing lacrosse in kindergarten and learned the tools of the trade from school record-holder Kyle Little, who worked with him twice a week early on. It took some time to get over the fear of the ball and the instinct to duck, but over time Acanfrio started caring less about getting hit and more about team success.

His career took off in middle school when he opted to play year-round, sensing his potential in a role that can be so unforgiving.

"I actually picked it," Acanfrio said. "Some people would say, why would you choose goalie? But I like it."

Any veteran of the crease has some horror stories. For Acanfrio, it was a shot he took near the end of freshman season.

"There was one on my leg," said Acanfrio, pointing down to his left thigh. "It left a bruise and it was massive. It was there for like two weeks straight."

Acanfrio will certainly leave a mark on the history of West Milford and beyond. But after saving 19 shots in the semifinal against Lakeland, avenging an overtime loss and getting a photo op for his 500th save, the present day will take priority.

"[The milestones] are good to have, but at the end of the day it's how me and my team do," Acanfrio said. "Getting a win is a win. County finals are what it's all about."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: A North Jersey lacrosse goalie is poised to break county records