Randy Rosario started playing lacrosse six years ago, and now the sophomore is playing his third varsity season for Valley Central.

And he opened the season this spring with four goals when the Vikings beat Red Hook 7-5 at Mount Saint Mary College last week.

“He’s fast, he can play good defense,” said Tom Stoddard, Valley Central’s coach. “He can run by guys on offense.”

Rosario also plays football for the Vikings as a running back and wide receiver, and Stoddard, an assistant football coach, said his play in both sports compare to each other.

“He’s got the skills for both,” said Stoddard.

After the football team missed the playoffs last fall, Rosario pumped up the Vikings with his play on the lacrosse field last week.

And Rosario prefers his spring sport above football.

“I love the high intensity play,” he said.

The Vikings’ season opening victory over Red Hook had plenty of intensity as the occasional blustery winds buffeted the bluff that is home to Mount Saint College in Newburgh when they played last week.

Playing without two players, parked on the sidelines with penalties late in the game, the Vikings survived to win 7-5.

“I love it. It’s fun,” said Rosario.

In that game, Red Hook controlled the ball, keeping it out of the hands of the Vikings. Red Hook took one shot after another and missed many. When Valley Central had the ball, the Vikings made the most of those opportunities to defeat the Raiders.

“Play as a team,” said Rosario, of what’s needed to play offense.

And the Vikings are a team that Rosario enjoys playing for and helping the best he can.

“It’s fun. We’re a team, we’re a family,” he said.

Rosario always wants to improve his game, and he has a simple solution to accomplish that.

“I need to practice everyday,” he said. “Practice makes perfect.”