For much of Friday’s boys lacrosse game, Gorham couldn’t shake visiting Biddeford. The Rams never trailed, but it seemed that every time they opened up a lead, the Tigers were able to strike back.

But midway through the third quarter, when attackman Brendan Ryan scored the second of his three goals, the pressure of the Gorham offense became too much for Biddeford to keep up with, and the hosts rattled off four unanswered goals for an 8-4 win.

“Our offense has been better and better about moving the ball and working off the ball and working together,” said Rams coach Ken Templeton. “We won in OT against Noble (two days earlier), but this felt a little more comfortable.”

Templeton’s troops immediately put pressure on Tigers goalkeeper Adam McKellar, and just 71 seconds into the game Alex Dahms gave Gorham their first lead. Three minutes later Biddeford’s Mike Manly fired home a 15-footer to tie the score.

Nifty weaving and dodging by Rams midfielder Duncan Allen ended with his scoring with four minutes left in the first period, and a short while later Ryan scored his first on a nice pass from Dahms.

With a 3-1 lead, Gorham looked like they might be ready to put their opponents away, but the Tigers put in a pair from Nick Precourt and Chris Oullette to again even the score.

Chad Henry gave Gorham the halftime lead when he grabbed a loose ball, outmaneuvered several defenders and bounced a shot past McKellar from 17 feet.

Oulette’s second goal, with 7:44 to go in the third, tied the contest for the third time, but it would be the last tie of the game. Rams defender Chris Roop came streaking down the right side and got the ball to an open Ryan, who put his team ahead for good.

Tim Millett increased the margin to two less than a minute later; then Elkin netted his second and Ryan his third in the last period. Over the final 19 minutes Gorham’s defense limited Biddeford’s scoring opportunities.

“We’ve had a pretty solid defense so far,” said Templeton, “which is surprising because we actually thought our defense was going to have some trouble this year.”

Henry said that last year’s team was focused more on individual play, rather than on the big picture.

“This year we’re focusing on the team moving the ball,” he said. “Just getting good looks and taking good shots.”

The Rams opened the season with a loss to a strong Kennebunk team, but stand at 2-1 after victories against Noble and Biddeford.