The Palo Alto High School boys’ lacrosse team (4-2, 0-0) will face rival Los Gatos High School (1-2, 0-0) at 7 p.m. on Thursday at home. 

The Vikings, having played five of their six games at Paly so far in the season, are 3-2 at home. 

The boys’ lacrosse team suffered its two defeats to Bellarmine College Preparatory School (4-0, 0-0) and University High School (3-4, 0-0) in two close matches earlier this season. 

The Vikings expect a high level of competition after beating the Los Gatos Wildcats in the De Anza League championships last year, according to senior captain Matthew Seligson. 

“Although it’s early in the season, it is important to stay focused and approach this game like we would any other,” Seligson said.

Senior co-captain Cole Tierney shares the same mentality. 

“We beat Los Gatos last year and I think we are an all around stronger team this year,” Tierney said. “I think it’s going to take a lot for them to beat us. That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if they came out hard and we had a slow start, just because we are rivals and it’s always been close.”

The Vikings can also improve on a few aspects of their game, according to Tierney. 

“We can improve on midfield shooting,” Tierney said. “Something we’ve been working on is become a more dynamic offense as a whole. We will be a bigger threat once our midfield starts scoring more.”

Seligson also believes that the midfield needs to assimilate more with the offense.

“I think we need to improve our production from the midfield,” Seligson said. “We’ve got strong, athletic midfielders, and we’re trying to figure out how to better integrate them into the offense.”

According to Tierney, the Vikings are ready to face off against the Wildcats, their former championship competitor. 

“We are extremely confident,” Tierney said. “Best case scenario, [senior] Ariya [Momeny] will take over and carry us through.”