By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/1/12

Haverford School left no doubt as to who is No. 1 in Philly boys’ lacrosse.

The Fords raced to an 8-1 lead with eight unanswered goals and toppled No. 2 Conestoga, 13-8, Saturday at the 12th annual Katie Samson Lacrosse Festival at Radnor. The victory was clear and at times dominant.

This week’s rankings:

1, Haverford School (15-1) – The Fords – and who can say any team in the nation is playing better? – can clinch a fourth straight Inter-Ac League championship by defeating Malvern Prep Saturday at home. Prev: No. 1

2, Conestoga (11-3) – The Pioneers need to move on from the loss to Haverford School and focus on their goal of three-peating as state champion. They can clinch a second straight Central League crown with wins over Haverford High (today) and Ridley (Thursday), and they also have a home date Saturday with La Salle (2 p.m.). Prev: No. 2

3, La Salle (10-3) – The Explorers are probably going to finish first in the Catholic League’s regular season, but their biggest challenge this week is Saturday’s game at Conestoga. Prev: No. 5

4. Downingtown West (14-0) – The Whippets have two big Ches-Mont League games this week; today vs. Bishop Shanahan and Thursday at Avon Grove. Win them and the title is just about secure. Prev: No. 4

5, Episcopal Academy (13-3) – The Churchmen need Malvern Prep to defeat Haverford School Saturday for them to have even a shot at tying for the Inter-Ac crown. But first they must defeat Malvern today and Penn Charter on Friday. Prev: No. 3

6, Lawrenceville School (10-3) – The Big Red made a big statement Saturday at Katie Samson by edging a hot Malvern Prep, 5-4. They have some big games coming up; Wednesday vs. Deerfield Academy (Mass.), Friday at The Hill School and Saturday vs. St. Augustine Prep. Prev: NR

7. Pennsbury (12-1) – The Falcons are playing some excellent lacrosse if you’re not notcing. They have yielded just 18 goals in their last six wins. They host Abington today and can clinch the Suburban One National Conference title with a victory. Prev: NR

8, St. Augustine Prep (9-3) – The Hermits have a big game Saturday at Lawrenceville. Prev: NR

9, Central Bucks East (13-1) – The Patriots’ next big game is May 10 vs. Pennsbury . Prev: No. 9

10, Malvern Prep (6-7) – Despite a losing record, the Friars make the rankings based on two wins over Penn Charter, a rout of Salesianum School and a murderous non-league schedule. They can throw a monkey wrench into the Inter-Ac standings by beating rival Haverford School on Saturday. Prev: NR

Honorable Mention: Abington (10-3), Bishop Shanahan (11-2), Germantown Academy (6-8), Hatboro-Horsham (11-2), Hill School (7-3), Penn Charter (8-10), Penncrest (11-4), Ridley (12-2), Salesianum School (8-2).