Welcome to “5-and-5,” a new series from US Lacrosse Magazine that features prominent athletes, coaches and personalities combining on-field perspective with off-field persona.

Paul Carcaterra knows the game of lacrosse. He played at Syracuse in the mid-90s, capturing a national championship in 1995 and earning All-American honors in 1997. Since graduating from Syracuse, Carcaterra has established himself as one of the premier voices in the sport with his work on ESPN and as the host of US Lacrosse Magazine's storytelling podcast, "Overtime."

Because Carcaterra has seen almost everything there is to see on the lacrosse field, he provided our Matt Hamilton with his five best lacrosse games of all time.

1. Syracuse vs. Johns Hopkins (1989)

This game had it all! The best offensive player of all-time in Gary Gait, the best defensive player of all-time in Dave Pietramala. Syracuse played with an offensive edge that transformed the sport, with many of its players doing things we had never seen before. Gary Gait's twin brother, Paul, threw the greatest pass in lacrosse history in this game, a 30-yard, behind-the-back laser pass to Greg Burns for a second-half goal. Syracuse won 13-12 and claimed the school's third national title.

2. Cornell vs. Maryland (1976)

For the first time in NCAA tournament history, two undefeated teams met in the title game. This game provided offensive fireworks, with the all-time great Frank Urso-led Maryland taking 58 shots on the day. Meanwhile, Cornell was led by the legendary Mike French's 7 goals. There were lead changes throughout the second half, and Maryland tied it at 12 with a buzzer-beater at the end of regulation. Overtime wasn't sudden victory then, and Cornell dominated the period, eventually winning 16-13. Cornell was fantastic in the 1970's, making four title game appearances and winning three championships.

3. North Carolina vs. Maryland (2016)

It was the Tar Heels' first championship weekend appearance since 1993, and they made the most of it. Sophomore Chris Cloutier was on another level that weekend, scoring 14 goals in two games, including the game-winner in OT (his fifth goal of the game). The game had drama and tremendous late goalie play, but offensive skill won out in the end for UNC, giving Joe Breschi's team the 14-13 OT win.

4. Syracuse vs. Johns Hopkins (1983)

This would be the first of five championship matchups between these titans, and it didn't disappoint. Johns Hopkins led Syracuse 12-5 with less than seven minutes left in the third quarter, but Syracuse sophomore midfielder Brad Kotz took over. Kotz scored five goals in the second half to lead the Orange to a 17-16 win. Travis Solomon was terrific in net, making 18 saves for Syracuse. Kotz was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, and Syracuse won its first of eleven national titles!

5. Princeton vs. Virginia (1996)

Princeton won three straight titles from 1996-98 behind what many people feel is the greatest attack unit ever in Jon Hess, Jesse Hubbard and Chris Massey. Virginia had Michael Watson, Doug Knight and Tim Whitely, an all-time great unit as well. The two offenses battled to overtime, when Hubbard's right-hand cannon sealed the deal for Princeton. It was Bill Tierney's third of six titles with the Tigers.

Dinnertime With Paul Carcaterra
He just loves food. Here are his favorite options.

• Grandma Mary meatballs

• Bone-in cowboy ribeye

• Pulled pork from Cormbred (yes, spelled that way) in Ames, Iowa

• Mexican Rice Bowls

• Chicken Parm (has to be razor thin)