Baltimore Lutheran senior Stephen Licata leaves no doubt he can score goals in bunches for the three-time defending Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association C Conference champion Saints.

After totaling 68 as a junior in 16 games, Licata has already matched that total in five fewer games this spring.

Moreover, he has 30 assists and is well on the way to eclipsing the 100-point mark.

With three regular season games left, and possibly two playoff games in the playoffs, Licata could approach the very rare 100-goal plateau as well.

After all, the Towson resident is averaging more than six goals a game this spring.

"Most guys don't score that many in a career," Lutheran first-year coach Jonny Class said matter-of-factly. "It would be an awesome thing to get 100 goals (in a season)."

Class said a vast array of skills make the 6-foot, 195-pound Rosemont College (Pa.) recruit a dangerous scoring threat.

"He is very strong, left-handed and has a great shot," Class explained. "He knows where he has to be on the field when there is a fastbreak and when there is a ground ball. He is very smart and has a good lacrosse I.Q.

"He is a hustler and he just never stops," Class added. "He just never gives up."

Licata, who grew up playing lacrosse for Towson Rec's Kelly Post program and competes in the summer for the Wolfpack Lacrosse Club, has had some memorable games, scoring eight goals in routs of both Key School and Cristo Rey and a whopping 10 in a thumping of Sparrows Point.

But Class has made it clear that his star needs to do more for the Saints (7-4, 7-3 league) than just score.

"We want him to focus on assists and learn other aspects of the game," Class said. "That's what we are trying to teach him right now. He is moving on to play at Rosemont. Here, he can get away with not passing it when two guys coming at him instead of looking for the guy who is open."

Playing on Lutheran's most inexperienced team in four years has put the onus on Licata to make sure the right players have the ball in key situations.

He and classmates such as attackman Scott Sweigart (29 goals, 16 assists), midfielder Dave Dooley (27, 22) and defender John Nunes Jr. are the only returning starters on a squad that also features new attackmen Matt Sazaklis, Nick Weinel and Charlie Dyjak and midfielder Zakk Davis, all of whom are working to become more of the offensive game plan as the season progresses.

"We are a young team and we are trying to get everyone involved now," Licata said. "The coaches came up to me, Scottie, and all of us and said, 'The only way it can work for these guys is to pass them the ball.'"

Class said Licata is becoming a more well-rounded player as his confidence in his teammates grows.

"He's been passing the ball better the last few games," the coach said.

Meanwhile, Licata has been tutored by a new coaching staff eager to show him some new moves.

"Coach Class brought in some great coaches, coach (Chris) Michel and coach (Jake) Shipley," Licata said. "Coach Shipley was a Division I player and played at St. Paul's. He has taught me a couple of dodges, how to shoot the ball and get my game to the next level."

First, though, comes the Saints' bid to claim another title.

"Not that many people would be able to say they won four championships," Licata said. "It would be a pretty cool honor."