Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/23/14
This is one of a series of previews for the 2014 Philly lacrosse season
Wissahickon
Coaches: Tom Walsh (Head), 2nd year; Matt Conway, Dan Layfield, Greg Quillian
Last year’s record: 14-4, (Second in suburban one american, lost 6-5 in first round of district one playoffs to Penncrest).
Key Returning players: Luke Gomez, Sr, Midfield; Brooks Melvin, Sr, Attackman; Chris Tronoski, Sr, Defenseman
Coach’s Outlook: “Our program goals this season are the same as any other season…to win the Suburban One American Conference and to compete for a State Championship. We return a lot of quality players who are hoping to prove themselves and build upon their achievements from last year. We have a potent group of Seniors, led by Captains Luke Gomez and Brooks Melvin, that are determined to make a memorable impact in their final year at Wissahickon. Leading the group of rising juniors, Nate DeGroat, John Carrozza, and Jack Myers will be strong contributors to the team’s success this season.”
Pennsbury (Falcons)
Head Coach: Jamie Huber 5th year as varsity Head Coach, 7th year in the program.
Last Year’s Record/Accomplishments: Overall record 2-16, 5th place SOL National Conference.
Key returning players:
Defense- Jack Benziger (senior) honorable mention All-SOL National ’13, Carter Glace (senior), & Stephen Barberides (senior)
Attack- Jared Petty (junior) honorable mention All-SOL National ’13, Nick Dugan (senior), Grant Montgomery (senior), & Zach Abraham (sophomore)
Midfield- John Conte (senior) 3rd team All-SOL National ’13, Matt Anderson (junior) member of the 2015 FCA Lake Placid Championship team, Lyle Arvanites (senior), Greg Kolowajtis (senior) Hunter Lake (sophomore) & Greg Lichtenstein (sophomore)
LSM- Brian Doron (sophomore)
Key newcomers:
Goalie- Jack Kenney (sophomore)
Midfield/Attack- Matt Roth (junior)
Coach’s Outlook: “This season Pennsbury looks to rebound from a very difficult 2013 season that saw the Falcons deal with tough losses both on and off the field. The core group that battled through that difficult season is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for the 2014 season. Pennsbury will return all but 3 starters from 2013, which is great cause for the Falcons to rebound this season and return to winning form.
In 2014 Pennsbury will battle through a difficult SOL National Conference schedule with the hopes of making sure that the Falcons are among the top teams in that conference, while also playing a challenging non-conference schedule against several playoff teams from 2013.”
Neshaminy (Redskins)
Head Coach: Len J. Quici 2nd year as head coach / 7th year with the program
Assistant coaches: John Lapatchka
Last year’s record: 8-10 / 4-6 SOL National
Notable losses: Austin Marshall (Cabrini) Jake Kitchenman (York) Alex McKenzie, Dillon Richards, Scott Minch.
Key returning players: Matt Magdelinskas (Jr.), Cale Kitchenman (Jr.) Kevin Goetz (Jr.) TJ Daino (Soph) Dan Dogba (Jr.)
Others to watch: Dan Martin (Sr.) Jeremy Guth (Sr.) Anthony Blickle (Soph) David Nuckles (Soph)
Coach’s Outlook: “Having lost 15 seniors the team is young, enthusiastic and talented. Key out of league games includes West Chester Henderson, Methacton and HGP.”
Games to watch: Council Rock North, Pennsbury, Holy Ghost Prep & Council Rock South.
Central Bucks East (Patriots)
Head Coach: Bruce Garcia 14 yrs
Assistant coaches: Paul McGovern, Joe Brodzick, Jim Mithoeffer
Last year’s record: 15-4
Key returning players:
Tyler Butler – 12/D, Will Dempster – 12/D, Matt Heim – 12/M, Matt Milici – 12/A, Matt Schmidt – 12/A
Others to Watch:
Dustin Buchanan- 11/LSM, Mike Eveland – 11/D, Sean McGovern – 11/G
Strengths/Question Marks:
9 returning varsity starters and 8 D1 commits will lead the Patriots into this season
Coach’s Outlook: “CB East is expecting big things this year and this is reflected in their schedule as they face 4 teams ranking in Philly Lacrosse’s top ten and 2 nationally ranked teams. Performance in these games should set the tone for a run deep into the playoffs this year.”
Games to watch: 3/21 vs Conestoga, 4/5 vs Malvern Prep, 4/12 vs Avon Grove, 5/03 vs Haverford Prep
