By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/5/08
La Salle edged Malvern Prep, 4-3, for the final Eastern Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association (EPSLA) title. Now, the Explorers shoot for the last Keystone Cup trophy Friday against Manheim Township at Comet Field at Penn Manor High in Millersville. The year’s final Phillylacrosse.com Poll:
1. La Salle (30-2) – The Explorers get the distinction of winning the last EPSLA championship. Now they want the honor of taking the final Keystone Cup title. Last week: No. 2.
2. Malvern Prep (21-3) – The Friars fell short in their goal of being the last EPSLA and Keystone Cup champion. But still, wow, what a talented team. Last week: No. 1.
3. Haverford School (17-7) – The Fords may need a long time to get over the unforgettable 7-6, double-overtime loss to La Salle in the semifinals. It won’t be the same with them and the rest of the Inter-Ac League teams being out of contention for state gold. Last week: No. 3.
4. Penn Charter (16-12) – The Quakers were a major story in the post season, knocking off two high seeds, Germantown Academy and Ridley, in succession before giving Malvern Prep a battle in the semis. Last week: No. 9.
5. Ridley (19-3) – The Green Raiders seemed to lose momentum when lightning suspended their quarterfinal game against Penn Charter for a day. But they did reach one major goal – their first Central League championship since 2002. They’ll be a major force in District One next year. Last week: No. 4.
6. Downingtown East (15-7) – The Cougars were unable to repeat as state champions, but coach Tom Slate has built a powerhouse in five short seasons. Last week: No. 6.
7. St. Joseph’s Prep (22-5) – Take heart Hawks – second best in the Catholic League is not so bad when the top team is La Salle. The Hawks’ best game may have been their 6-5 loss to the Explorers in the Catholic League title game. Last week: No. 5.
8. Germantown Academy (13-7) – The Patriots will lament their 9-8 overtime loss to Penn Charter in the first round of the playoffs all summer, but they enjoyed a strong season (for example, their 3-2 win over La Salle). Last week: No. 7.
9. Springfield-Delco (16-6) – The sophomore-laden Cougars were a legitimate Central League contender this year and should be a District One power for at least the next two years. Last week: No. 8.
10. Lower Merion (17-5) – After winning just eight of 27 games in the Central League the previous three seasons, The Aces were one of the most improved teams in the EPSLA. Last week: No. 10.
The rest of the top 25: 11. Conestoga (14-8); 12. Episcopal Academy (14-12); 13. Garnet Valley (16-7); 14. Abington (16-6); 15. Radnor (11-11); 16. Central Bucks East (13-4). 17. Penncrest (11-10). 18. Strath Haven (13-8); 19. Emmaus (16-3); 20. Hatboro-Horsham (18-3). 21. Great Valley (13-7); 22. Unionville (11-10); 23. Hill School (11-5); 24. Archbishop Wood (17-7); 25. Avon Grove (9-6).
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