By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/12/09
Playoff time has arrived.
For the first time, Philly boys’ teams will compete in district tournaments. The first round of the District 1 tourney begins today with twelve games on tap. In District 12 (Catholic League), quarterfinals open Friday; in District 11, play begins May 18. This week’s Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Rankings:
1. La Salle (13-4) – The Explorers – who downed Lansdale Catholic 15-1, Monday – still have unfinished business today as they host Archbishop Wood in a battle of unbeatens in the North Division. They begin District 12 (Catholic League) quarterfinals play Friday against the No. 4 finisher from the North. Last week: No. 1.
2. St. Joseph’s Prep (13-1) – The Hawks earned a 10-7 victory Monday over Moorestown (NJ) and close their regular season today at Cardinal O’Hara. They begin District 12 (Catholic League) playoffs Friday. Last week: No. 2.
3. Conestoga (17-1) – The Pioneers did seemingly the impossible: go through the Central League undefeated. They clearly earned the District 1 tourney’s No. 1 seed and first-round bye – having beaten the No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 6 seeds in the regular season, as well as La Salle, Haverford School and Emmaus. They have a first-round and face the winner of the Strath Haven-Central Bucks West winner on Thursday in the second round. Last week: No. 3
4. Radnor (15-3) – The Red Raiders secured the No. 4 seed and a bye for districts and host the winner of Tuesday’s West Chester East-Avon Grove contest Thursday at 7 p.m. Last week: No. 4.
5. Downingtown East (16-2) – The Cougars, like Conestoga, swept through their league (Ches-Mont) with a perfect mark and got the No. 2 seed in districts in a year when many thought they were vulnerable. They host the winner of Tuesday’s game between Pennsbury and Sun Valley in the second round Thursday. Last week: No. 5.
6. Haverford School (14-8) – The Fords have a clinched at least a tie in the Inter-Ac League and gear for the league’s first playoff tournament. They will play in the semifinals Friday against a team to be determined at Cabrini College. Last week: No. 7
7. Springfield-Delco (14-4) – The Cougars bounced back from a tough stretch with two victories and earned the No. 3 seed in District 1. They host Tuesday’s Downingtown West-Ridley winner on Thursday. Last week: NR.
8. Lower Merion (13-4) – The Aces – seeded seventh in districts – have won nine straight games and host Bishop Shanahan in the first round Tuesday. Last week: No. 8.
9. Episcopal Academy (13-7) – EA lost its shot at a regular season Inter-Ac League title, but has another shot in the league tourney. The semis begin Friday Last week: No. 6.
10. Emmaus (15-4) – The Green Hornets opened Lehigh Valley League playoff action Monday by whipping Allentown Central Catholic, 15-3. They face Easton in the finals Wednesday at Nazareth at 7:00. Last week: No. 9.
Teams to watch (in alphabetical order): Abington, Archbishop Wood, Central Bucks East, Garnet Valley, Hatboro-Horsham, Malvern Prep, Owen J. Roberts, Unionville, Upper Dublin, West Chester East.
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