Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/22/12
This is one of a series of previews for the 2012 Philly lacrosse season
Pennsbury Falcons
Coach: Jamie Huber 3rd year as varsity head coach, 5th year in the program
Last Year’s Record/Accomplishments: 15-9 overall, 12-6 regular season, 3-3 playoffs, made the PA state tournament for the first time in school history, advanced to the District One semifinals after defeating Plymouth Whitemarsh in the first round, Downingtown East in the 2nd round and Avon Grove in the quarterfinals. Ended the season losing to Conestoga in the district one semi’s, Downingtown West in the playbacks and St. Joe’s Prep in the first round of states.
Key Returnees:
Goalie: Drew Sweetland (senior) 3rd team All-suburban one, Bucks County Courier Times player of the year
Defense: Lewis Sears (senior) 2nd team All-suburban one, Zach McDannell (senior) (hurt last season did not play), Greg Kolowajtis (soph.)
Attack: Calvin Hopkins (senior) 1st team All-suburban one, Andrew Probst (senior) 2nd team All-suburban one, Colin Sullivan (junior)
Midfield: Ryan McDonald (senior) 2nd team All-suburban one, Evan Caterson (senior) 2nd team All-suburban one, Luke Matthews (senior) 3rd team All-suburban one, Sean Heilferty (senior) Honorable mention All-suburban one
Key Newcomers:
LSM: Jack Benziger (soph.), Matt Anderson (freshman)
Attack: Sean McDonald (soph)
Outlook for 2012:
“The Falcons 2012 team is very balanced with a great deal of senior leadership on both sides of the ball. This team has demonstrated a great deal of determination and hard work as we look to achieve our goals as a team.
“We are returning a large group of seniors that are focused on getting back to the district one playoffs while also trying to compete for the league championship against an always tough Suburban One National conference and some very challenging non-league opponents.”
Wissahickon
Coach: Haldy Gifford, 1st season
Last Year’s Record: 6-12 overall and 6-6 league
Key Losses:
Beau Gomez, Defense
AJ Anderson, Midfield
Brandon Irvine, Midfield
Tom Bracaglia, Defense
Key Returnees:
Seniors:
Josh Stollman, Midfield
Ricky O’Donnell , Defense
Tyler Crothers, Midfield
Dom Marinari, Defense
Pat Bauer, Defense
Juniors:
Alex Kaufmann, Midfield
Sophomores:
Luke Gomez, Midfield
Brooks Melvin, Attack
Others to Watch:
Seniors
Christian Sivel, Midfield/Attack
Brian Dick, Midfield/Attack
Matt Blank, Midfield
Juniors
Will Clements, LSM
Brennan Hennessey, Goalie
Sophomore
Chris Tronoski, Defense
Zach Scannapieco, Attack
Nick Salemno, Goalie
Strengths:
“There are some key returning players who saw some significant minutes playing at the varsity level last year. This team has a never say die attitude. They will work extremely hard to reach their maximum potential.”
Question Marks:
“We are still young and learning to play within ourselves and with the system.”
2012 Coach’s Outlook: “As a coaching staff, we have a good group of core players returning who are committed to working hard and improving. We expect to be able to competitive in every game. It is going to be an exciting year for us as we progress throughout the season.”
Abington Ghosts
Coach: Ryan Greer, 1st year
Assistant Coaches: Brett Miller, Mike Gurenlian, MJ McGinn, Brett Greer
Last Year’s Record: 2011 we were 15-7, Suburban One National Conference Champion, missed state playoffs
Notable Losses:
Anthony Greco (playing at Cabrini College)
Key Returnees:
Ryan Ambler (senior/attack)
Chris Duffy (senior/defense)
Austin Pifani (junior/defense)
Travis O’Connor (senior/goalie)
Matt Figueroa (senior/midfield)
Josh Kluver (senior/ defense),
Others to Watch:
Matt Lomady (senior/midfield)
Shane Dunn (senior/midfield)
Max Malloy (senior/attack)
Brian Gallagher (soph/attack)
Scott Speigel (senior/defenseman)
Strengths:
“We have great senior leadership and should be strong on the defensive side of the ball.”
2012 Outlook: “We are working hard to win the Suburban One National Conference and make a run at the PIAA State Title.
“The team is working hard physically on the field and are open minded to the new coaching approach. Right now I am really impressed with the blue collar work ethic of the team and I know that the work ethic will allow us to achieve our team goals.”
Games to Watch: “Right now our mentality is ‘Our next game is always our biggest game’. Outside spectators would say our games to watch are: 03/23 vs Downingtown West, 03/27 vs Germantown Academy, 03/31 vs Ridley, 04/05 vs Downingtown East, our two games vs. Pennsbury on 04/13 and 05/01, 05/05 vs. Penn Charter and 05/11 vs. Garnet Valley.”
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