La Salle has top spot in first boys’ rankings of 2009 season

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/17/09

The year’s first Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Rankings:

1. La Salle (0-0) – The Explorers have all the talent one could imagine, and a murderous non-league schedule to match.

2. Malvern Prep (0-0) – The Friars warmed up their season Monday by dropping a scrimmage to Canadian power Hill Academy in double overtime. They open Saturday by hosting Maryland power Calvert Hall – which fell to Hill by a 14-11 count.

3. Haverford School (0-1) – The Fords suffered a heartbreaking loss to Maryland’s St. Paul’s School Saturday in a game they had chances to win. They are young, but talented on attack.

4. St. Joseph’s Prep (0-0) – It’s a sin the Hawks will have to beat La Salle to make it to states this year.

5. Springfield-Delco (0-0) – The junior-laden Cougars, who have impressed during the preseason, appear ready to challenge right now for a Central League and District 1 title.

6. Penn Charter (1-0) – The Quakers stunned a lot of people – but not themselves – by defeating Loyola Blakefield, 6-5, in Saturday’s opener.

7. Conestoga (0-0) – The Pioneers have a very strong defense. If they have the offense to match, watch out.

8. Radnor (0-0) – The Red Raiders will need to stay consistent to challenge for Central League honors.

9. Episcopal Academy (0-0) – The Churchmen have an all-junior defense and a goalie (Matt Lerman) headed to Syracuse that will keep them in just about any game.

10. Lower Merion (0-0) – The Aces, who added some key transfers, have a lot of pieces and could be a big factor.

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, Strath Haven, Unionville.