By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/28/08
Due to lightning during the first half of last night’s quarterfinal playoff game between Ridley and Penn Charter, only one team has advanced to the Eastern Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association (EPSLA) semifinals. The rest of the field will be decided tonight. The 11th Phillylacrosse.com Scholastic Boys Top 10 Poll:
1. Malvern Prep (20-2) – The Friars looked positively dominant in their 12-0 blanking of Springfield-Delco Tuesday in the quarterfinals. They will be a prohibitive favorite when they meet the Ridley-Penn Charter winner in the semifinals. Last week: No. 1.
2. La Salle (27-2) – The Explorers face St. Joseph’s Prep (6 p.m. at Central Bucks West) in a classic rematch of the Catholic League championship game, won 6-5 by La Salle. Last week: No. 2.
3. Haverford School (16-6) – The Fords face a stern test tonight (8 p.m. at CB West) in the semifinals against a Downingtown East team they defeated in overtime at the Katie Samson Festival. It may be even harder this time. Last week: No. 3.
4. Ridley (19-2) – The Green Raiders have their hands full with a rejuvenated Penn Charter in the completion of last night’s suspended game. Last week: No. 4.
5. St. Joseph’s Prep (22-4) – The Hawks get their chance again against La Salle, a team they were leading heading into the fourth quarter the first time out. Last week: No. 6.
6. Downingtown East (15-6) – Can the defending state champions make it back to the semifinals? Last week: No. 7.
7. Germantown Academy (13-7) – The Patriots were unceremoniously knocked out in the first round by Penn Charter Friday in a heartbreaking overtime defeat. Still, an excellent year for the Pats, whose highlight was a masterful win over La Salle. Last week: No. 5.
8. Springfield-Delco (16-6) – The young Cougars were schooled by a Malvern Prep team that is probably one of the 10 best in the country, if not better. But with a team full of sophomores, watch out next year! Last week: No. 8.
9. Penn Charter (15-11) – The Quakers are a different team with middie Eddie Bambino (Ohio State recruit) back from several injuries. They pulled off a clutch 9-8 overtime thriller over GA in the first round and are tied with Ridley as they finish the completed quarterfinal game tonight. Last week: unranked.
10. Lower Merion (17-5) – The Aces were again outworked by Springfield-Delco in Friday’s first-round loss. But they were perhaps the most improved team in the EPSLA. Last week: No. 9.
Under consideration: Episcopal Academy, Conestoga, Garnet Valley, Strath Haven, Radnor, Abington.
