By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/9/08
It was a week in which seven of the top 10 teams lost at least once, causing much movement in the fourth Phillylacrosse.com Scholastic Boys Top 10 Poll. La Salle moves into the top spot.
1. La Salle (13-1) – The Explorers won their 12th straight game Tuesday, downing Downingtown West, 8-6, as Pete Schwartz had three goals and three assists. They have a Catholic League hookup today at Archbishop Ryan. Last week: No. 2.
2. Malvern Prep (6-1) – The Friars looked strong Tuesday in thumping Inter-Ac foe Episcopal Academy, 14-3. They seemed primed for Thursday’s showdown at Haverford School. Last week: No. 3.
3. Haverford School (5-3) – The Fords rebounded from tough losses to Gilman (Md.), Lawrenceville (N.J.) and Delbarton (N.J.) with a 9-4 Inter-Ac victory over Chestnut Hill Tuesday as Morgan Young had a hat trick. They gear Thursday for the first Inter-Ac war with No. 2 Malvern Prep. Last week: No. 1.
4. Penn Charter (8-2) – The Quakers handled Inter-Ac foe Germantown Academy, 12-8 Tuesday as Colin Still contributed three goals and three assists. They also looked strong in downing Downingtown East, 8-3, and Warwick, 16-3. They play at Episcopal Academy Friday in the first of many big Inter-Ac contests. Last week: No. 7
5. Ridley (7-1) – The Green Raiders rebounded from a loss to Radnor Tuesday night by dumping Conestoga, 6-4, in a Central League must-win contest that shook up the league standings. Scott Kellett was brilliant in the cage with 13 saves and Tyler Johnston had three goals. They play at Haverford High Thursday. Last week: No. 6.
6. Conestoga (4-1) – The Pioneers lost their first Central League game in over two years, but have no time to fret. They host Strath Haven Thursday and then travel to No. 1 La Salle Saturday. Last week: No. 5.
7. St. Joseph’s Prep (5-3) – The Hawks move into the poll on the strength of a solid 9-7 triumph over Germantown Academy. They host Cardinal O’Hara today. Last week: unranked.
8. Lower Merion (6-1) – The Aces crack the Top 10 with an impressive 10-5 whipping of Garnet Valley Tuesday. They play at Upper Darby Thursday. Last week: unranked.
9. Episcopal Academy (5-5) – The Churchmen have lost to five powers: Maryland’s McDonogh and Archbishop Spalding and PA heavyweights La Salle, Conestoga and Malvern Prep. It doesn’t get any easier Friday when they host Penn Charter. Last week: No. 10.
10. Emmaus (6-1) – The Hornets, coached by Ridley grad and former Penncrest coach Jef Hewlings make their first appearance in the Top 10 after claiming their fifth straight win, a 15-9 victory over Parkland Tuesday. They host Allentown Central Catholic Thursday. Last week: unranked.
Under consideration: Downingtown East, Germantown Academy, Garnet Valley,
Springfield-Delco, Radnor, Penncrest, Abington, Great Valley.
