After losing four major offensive players from last season, the Skaneateles boys lacrosse team will have to rely on its defense.
The Citizen file photo
Skaneateles' Patrick Emmer shoots on goal against Manlius Pebble Hill during a game last season. Emmer is one of the returning goal-scorers for the Lakers.
Skaneateles' Patrick Emmer shoots on goal against Manlius Pebble Hill during a game last season. Emmer is one of the returning goal-scorers for the Lakers.
Jeff Donigan, Devin Lynch, James Allen and Scott Castle are gone, along with a boatload of goals, but the Lakers return a strong defensive core, highlighted by Brennan Buell, Jordan Markley and goalie Josh Kimm.
Lakers head coach Ron Doctor hopes to get his team more experience offensively and ultimately wants them to challenge for a league title. Last season, the Lakers lost in the Section III, Class C semifinals to Lafayette after going 14-4 in the regular season and claiming a Division II title.
“We have our work cut out for us,” Doctor said. “We had to fill in a whole new attack which makes things very challenging. I am hoping that time and experience will get our offense to a point where we are more sure of ourselves. We have to break in a whole new group this season but our goal is to develop and get stronger.”
Filling in those holes on the offense are returning midfielders Eric Richards, Keith Buehler and Matt Wood.
Strong newcomers to the team to watch are Lex Johnson, a junior defenseman and Kyle Baier, a sophomore midfielder. Pulling these newcomers and the rest of the offense together is the project Doctor has set for himself and the team as they hope for a successful season and perhaps a chance at another title.
“It is a ways off but maybe in midseason we can get a little more excited about it,” Doctor said. “We came real close last season and although we have a lot of new faces, if we can get it together we could have a strong chance.”
The Lakers are scheduled to face some tough opponents in the Division II such as Westhill, Jordan-Elbridge, Cazenovia and Marcellus.
“I think the division is pretty well-balanced this season,” Doctor said. “The match-ups should be pretty even and all equally difficult.”
Auburn Maroons
The Maroons have plenty of new faces with 16 rookies on the Division I Class A team.
After losing top players BJ Simmons, John Lennox, Derek Anderson, Matt Chadderdon, Eric Giannone, Eli Linby, Mark Green and Bill Wawler, the Maroons have a lot of slots to fill. Head coach Steve Crosby said the newcomers are working hard to get ready for the season ahead.
Defensive returnees include Anthony Adams, Matt Clancy, Brendan Lewis and Ryan Button - all are seniors. Kevin Dyer is also in his senior year as the returning goalie for the Maroons.
Leading the Maroons offensively will be returning seniors Bob Brannigan, Chris Clifford, Mike Fandrich, Kevin Festa, Matt Hoey and Sean Hogan.
Crosby is hoping for another trip to the Section III playoffs. The Maroons have made the trip nine times in the past 10 years.
“From there it is one step at a time,” Crosby said. “We have a focused group of hard-working young men.”
The Maroons went 8-11 last season and lost in the first round of sectionals.
Jordan-Elbridge Eagles
All-league selection Joe Poppe is one of the most dangerous players in the section while second-teamers Brian Belcher and Kory Smart balance a potent offensive attack for the Eagles.
But Jordan-Elbridge will be hurt from losing Tom Guadagulo, the Eagles top defensemen, midfielder James Simmons and attack Shawn Severin.
The lack of players may also be a factor for the Eagles as they look to remain competitive by staying healthy.
Last season the Eagles finished 9-10 and 3-5 in the league. They lost in the first round of sectionals.
Lakers head coach Ron Doctor hopes to get his team more experience offensively and ultimately wants them to challenge for a league title. Last season, the Lakers lost in the Section III, Class C semifinals to Lafayette after going 14-4 in the regular season and claiming a Division II title.
“We have our work cut out for us,” Doctor said. “We had to fill in a whole new attack which makes things very challenging. I am hoping that time and experience will get our offense to a point where we are more sure of ourselves. We have to break in a whole new group this season but our goal is to develop and get stronger.”
Filling in those holes on the offense are returning midfielders Eric Richards, Keith Buehler and Matt Wood.
Strong newcomers to the team to watch are Lex Johnson, a junior defenseman and Kyle Baier, a sophomore midfielder. Pulling these newcomers and the rest of the offense together is the project Doctor has set for himself and the team as they hope for a successful season and perhaps a chance at another title.
“It is a ways off but maybe in midseason we can get a little more excited about it,” Doctor said. “We came real close last season and although we have a lot of new faces, if we can get it together we could have a strong chance.”
The Lakers are scheduled to face some tough opponents in the Division II such as Westhill, Jordan-Elbridge, Cazenovia and Marcellus.
“I think the division is pretty well-balanced this season,” Doctor said. “The match-ups should be pretty even and all equally difficult.”
Auburn Maroons
The Maroons have plenty of new faces with 16 rookies on the Division I Class A team.
After losing top players BJ Simmons, John Lennox, Derek Anderson, Matt Chadderdon, Eric Giannone, Eli Linby, Mark Green and Bill Wawler, the Maroons have a lot of slots to fill. Head coach Steve Crosby said the newcomers are working hard to get ready for the season ahead.
Defensive returnees include Anthony Adams, Matt Clancy, Brendan Lewis and Ryan Button - all are seniors. Kevin Dyer is also in his senior year as the returning goalie for the Maroons.
Leading the Maroons offensively will be returning seniors Bob Brannigan, Chris Clifford, Mike Fandrich, Kevin Festa, Matt Hoey and Sean Hogan.
Crosby is hoping for another trip to the Section III playoffs. The Maroons have made the trip nine times in the past 10 years.
“From there it is one step at a time,” Crosby said. “We have a focused group of hard-working young men.”
The Maroons went 8-11 last season and lost in the first round of sectionals.
Jordan-Elbridge Eagles
All-league selection Joe Poppe is one of the most dangerous players in the section while second-teamers Brian Belcher and Kory Smart balance a potent offensive attack for the Eagles.
But Jordan-Elbridge will be hurt from losing Tom Guadagulo, the Eagles top defensemen, midfielder James Simmons and attack Shawn Severin.
The lack of players may also be a factor for the Eagles as they look to remain competitive by staying healthy.
Last season the Eagles finished 9-10 and 3-5 in the league. They lost in the first round of sectionals.
The Citizens' Say
There are 2 comment(s)
longboard315 wrote on Apr 1, 2008 5:28 PM:
tlb4 wrote on Apr 1, 2008 1:39 PM: