By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/05/09
After starting the pre-season at No. 1, La Salle has spent the entire year catching up to the pack. Finally, the Explorers, winners of 10 straight games, have gotten back to the top following a most impressive 16-6 thrashing of former No. 1 and Catholic League rival St. Joseph’s Prep. Today La Salle plays at Maryland power Georgetown Prep, a serious challenge. This week’s Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Rankings:
1. La Salle (11-3) – The red-hot Explorers get one last shot at a Maryland power today when they play at Georgetown Prep, the 15th-ranked team in the Inside Lacrosse national rankings. Last week: No. 2.
2. St. Joseph’s Prep (11-1) – The Hawks seem to have recovered well from last week’s 16-6 humbling at La Salle, winning four in a row since then, including Monday’s 11-9 triumph over Emmaus. They play at Roman Catholic Wednesday. Last week: No. 1.
3. Conestoga (15-1) – The Pioneers can clinch the Central League crown today with a win at Strath Haven. Then they can finish an undefeated league season – a major accomplishment – Thursday at home against Haverford High. Last week: No. 3.
4. Radnor (13-3) – The Red Raiders earned a hard-fought 5-4 win ovr Malvern Prep Saturday and appear primed to make a serious run in the District 1 tourney. They close their regular season with games today (hosting Harriton) and Thursday (at Strath Haven). Last week: No. 5.
5. Downingtown East (15-2) – The Ches-Mont League champion Cougars are peaking at the right time. They have won sis straight and close their regular season at Avon Grove Thursday; a win could net them the second seed in the District 1 tournament. Last week: No. 8.
6. Episcopal Academy (11-6) – EA can clinch a tie for the Inter-Ac League crown by beating Haverford Wednesday; the Churchmen won the first meeting, 5-4 on April 14. Last week: No. 4.
7. Haverford School (12-8) – The Fords, coming off a tough 5-4 loss to St. Joe’s Prep, will look for revenge Wednesday when they travel to Episcopal for a huge Inter-Ac League battle. Last week: No. 7
8. Lower Merion (11-4) – The Aces have won seven straight games, three of them by one goal. They close their Central League campaign with road games today (at Marple Newtown) and Thursday (at Harriton). Last week: NR.
9. Emmaus (11-4) – The Green Hornets held their own in Monday’s 11-9 loss at No. 2 St. Joseph’s Prep. They are the top seed in the Lehigh Valley League tourney which begins next Monday. They host Parkland Wednesday and William Allen Thursday. Last week: No. 10
10. Malvern Prep (6-8) – The Friars have suffered through a murderous year with injuries galore and a brutal schedule. They broke their four-game losing streak Monday with a 9-3 win over Penn Charter and still have a chance to tie for the Inter-Ac League championship. They host GA Wednesday and play at Penn Charter Saturday. Last week: No. 6.
Teams to watch (in alphabetical order): Abington, Archbishop Wood, Central Bucks East, Garnet Valley, Hatboro-Horsham, Owen J. Roberts, Ridley, Springfield-Delco, Unionville, Upper Dublin, West Chester East.
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