By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/24/09

The Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Rankings became jumbled this week when Conestoga defeated La Salle in Saturday’s opener. Here is Week 2:

1. Conestoga (1-0) – The Pioneers earned one of the biggest regular-season wins in many years with their picture-perfect 6-3 triumph over La Salle. The defense was airtight, the offense had consistent movement and the goaltending was steady. Now that that ‘Stoga is No. 1, it has the pressure. Tonight the Pioneers face a big test at Emmuas. Last week: No, 7

2. Haverford School (3-1) – The Fords have won three straight since dropping their opener at St. Paul’s School. They also have a major test today at McDonogh. Last week: No. 3

3. La Salle (1-1) – The Explorers, ranked No. 2 in the nation last week by Inside Lacrosse, bounced back with a 9-7 triumph Monday over Colorado power Arapahoe. La Salle now gears for Wednesday’s match at Gilman School (Md.), the No. 1 team in the country. This was originally billed as a No. 1 vs. No. 2 when the season began, so game has even more meaning. Last week: No. 1

4. Malvern Prep (0-1) – The Friars struggled in a 9-3 loss to Maryland power Calvert Hall, having the most notably in man-down situations. They host Arapahoe today. Last week: No. 2

5. Springfield-Delco (2-0) – The Cougars looked strong in a 10-7 win over a solid Central Bucks East, which scored several late goals to make it close. They play at Emmaus Friday. Last week: No. 5

6. St. Joseph’s Prep (0-0) – The Hawks don’t play until they meet Penn Charter on April 1. Will they be behind?  Last week: No.5

7. Episcopal Academy (1-1) – The Churchmen, despite being banged up, split two games in Maryland Saturday against strong competition. EA hosts Roman Catholic today. Last week: No. 9

8. Penn Charter (1-1) – The youthful Quakers struggled in a 13-5 loss to powerful McDonogh. Still, watch out for them. They host Archbishop Wood today. Last week: No. 6

9. Radnor (0-1) – The Red Raiders played Loyola-Blakefield tough, bowing 6-2 in a game that was much closer than the score indicates. They host Great Valley today. Last week: No. 8

10. Lower Merion (1-0) – The Aces showed much offense in a 20-10 win over Spring-Ford. They are at West Chester East today. Last week: No. 10

Teams to watch (in alphabetical order): Abington, Archbishop Wood, Central Bucks East, Downingtown East, Downingtown West, Emmaus, Garnet Valley, Hatboro-Horsham, Hill School, Penncrest, Pennsbury Ridley, Unionville.

Tags: Conestoga