PORTLAND – Ryan Pallotta is using a memorable moment from last season to fuel his drive for more success this year.

Pallotta, a senior, powered Scarborough’s 8-2 boys’ lacrosse win over Portland on Friday with three goals and an assist. Not bad for a guy whose first career start came in last year’s Class A championship game.

He scored a goal in that game to help Scarborough to a second straight Class A title. The confidence from that experience left him anxiously awaiting a repeat performance.

“Last year when I started and scored in states, that helped me secure a spot this year,” Pallotta said. “That really makes you confident coming into games this year.

“That self-confidence helps when you think your defender is better than you. You beat him, and it’s a great feeling.”

Scarborough remained unbeaten at 7-0. Portland slipped to 2-5.

Pallotta’s early-season play has been in part due to his development, and in part due to the fact that the opposition must also contend with Jon Blaisdell and John Wheeler, the Red Storm’s most dangerous offensive players.

Wheeler had four goals and an assist against the Bulldogs, and Blaisdell contributed a goal and two assists.

“(Pallotta’s) commitment level through the four years has been great,” said Wheeler.

“He didn’t start until the final game last year, but he just stuck through it and learned. That’s shown this year. He’s become a third threat. Now you have to watch him and have him on the radar.”

Pallotta’s first two points made an impact.

His first goal came with less than a minute left in the second quarter and gave Scarborough a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Early in the third quarter, he set up Wheeler’s first goal of the game, which put the Red Storm ahead 3-2.

“Ryan is a very scrappy kid,” said Scarborough Coach Joe Hezlep. “He creates a lot of extra opportunities by just making the defense drop the ball when they are trying to clear it. He’s really been a big spark for us.

“And he’s absolutely been a bonus offensively. He’s making very few mistakes. He’s where he should be and he’s doing what he needs to do. It’s been great to see.”

Wheeler’s goal, which came only 31 seconds after Zack Lane pulled the Bulldogs even in the opening moments of the second half, turned out to be a back-breaker.

The junior sharp-shooter connected again before the end of the quarter to give Scarborough a 4-2 lead heading into the fourth, then added two more goals in the final quarter.

Max Pierter netted the other goal for the Bulldogs, and Ben Allen collected a pair of assists.

“They wore us down a little but down the stretch,” said Portland Coach Eric Begonia. “Our offense was kind of inconsistent and I think in the end that made a big difference.

“We did a lot of good things defensively. To hold a team like that to eight goals is pretty good.”