By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/24/12

The 12th annual Katie Samson Lacrosse Festival arrives Saturday with a typical number of great matchups.

First, of course, you have No. 1 Haverford School vs. No. 2 Conestoga. Then you have such intriguing games as La Salle vs. Downingtown East, St. Augustne Prep vs. Garnet valley, Hill School vs. Penn Charter, Downingtown West vs. Brunswick School (CT) and Lawrenceville School vs. Malvern Prep.

This week’s rankings:

This week’s Phillylacrosse.com Rankings:

1, Haverford School (12-1) – The Fords rallied for a brilliant 9-8 overtime win over Episcopal Academy Friday before a huge crowd. The crowd will be that much bigger Saturday at Radnor when they face Conestoga at Katie Samson. Prev: No. 1

2, Conestoga (9-2) – The Pioneers suffered their second one-goal loss Saturday in a 7-6 defeat to Canada power Hill Academy – but it does little to take the steam away from Saturday’s showdown with Haverford School. Prev: No. 2

3, Episcopal Academy (11-2) – The Churchmen will tell you that playing Haverford School basically even and taking the Fords to overtime offers absolutely no consolation. Maybe so, but this impressive team has come a long way from 6-11 of a year ago. They meet Springfield-Delco at Katie Samson. Prev: No. 3

4. Downingtown West (11-0) – The Whippets play a key Ches-Mont League game Thursday at Downingtown East and face Brunswick School (CT) at Katie Samson. Prev: No. 4

5, La Salle (7-3) – The Explorers toppled DeMatha (D.C.), 11-6, in the annual Fallen Heroes Game to honor Travis Manion and Brendan Looney. They play Downingtown East Saturday at Katie Samson. Prev: No. 6

6, Salesianum School (6-1) – The Sals travel to Malvern Prep today and have a key game Saturday at home vs. Cape Henlopen . Prev: No. 7

7, Henderson (10-1) – The Warriors have a key Ches-Mont League game Tuesday when they host Downingtown East. Prev: No. 10

8. Hill School (6-2) – This is a Blues team loaded with Division I players and a strong goalie. They have a tough matchup Saturday at Katie Samson when they face Penn Charter. Prev: NR

9, Central Bucks East (9-1) – The Patriots suffered their first loss of the year Monday, falling 6-2 to Hatboro-Horsham. Prev: No. 9

10, Hatboro-Horsham (8-2) – The Hatters flashed some impressive defense to topple Central Bucks East, 6-2, on Monday. The teams are virtually tied for the Suburban One Continental Conference lead. Prev: NR

Honorable Mention: Abington (6-3), Bishop Shanahan (8-2), Downingtown East (8-3), Garnet Valley (9-1), Haddonfield (8-0), Lawrenceville School (9-2), Malvern Prep (4-6), Penn Charter (7-8), Pennsbury (9-1), Ridley (10-2), St. Augustine Prep (6-3), St. Joseph’s Prep (6-5).