Central League Matchup This game could decide the Central League, both teams are loaded and gunning for each other...
Springfield started slow with a disappointing loss to out of state power St. Anne's Belfield. Since then, the Delco laxers have played well and appear to be hitting their stride. The Cougars will be happy to host the Pioneers. They hope to erase the memories of 2009, when Springfield lost twice to Conestoga, once in a game that the Cougars led late in the game. Springfield is led on offense by Josh Cavanaugh, Colin Keegan, Bobby Gildea and Joe Venit. The defense is led by Dan Mojica and Joe Addona and is anchored in the goal by Austin Kaut. The team has a stong face-off man in Billy McCullough, who was 10 for 10 in the Center X against Harriton last week. These boys have been playing together for a long time and hope to knock off the Pioneers and make a statement. Stoga is deep and impressive, particularly when it plays to its strength and doesn't try to be something it's not. Much as a racehorse wants to be a racehorse and not a bridled dressage performer at Devon, Stoga seems well suited to up-tempo play and is less potent and productive in set and settled situations. The team's transition game is led by LSM Brian Dailey, who makes havoc with his speed and tenacity, as well as middies Ryan Lord and Tanner Scott. Teams have employed game plans designed to slow Stoga down. Conestoga, however, sometimes obliges on its own. This past weekend at the Checking for Cancer tournament, Stoga dominated a solid Darien (CT) team in the first 24 minutes of the game. They lead 8-0 at halftime, having scored mutiple goals in transition and a few following extended possessions. Stoga at its best; the Blue Wave seem shell-shocked. The Pioneers, however, shifted out of their ride, run and gun game in the second half, presumably to maintain possession and preserve their lead -- which proved to be a recipe for squandering it. Darien seized the initiative, forced some turnovers, gained momentum and won the 2nd half 6-2. In the end, Conestoga prevailed, relying on the heroics of its goalie, Pete Zonino. The Hobart-bound netminder proved up to the task and held the Blue Wave at bay to preserve a quality win that national pollsters should notice. But games are not won in the polls and Springfield knows that, having been conspicously excluded from the list of top Pennsylvania teams in the major rankings. A win over Conestoga would register in a big way. You never know what to expect in these top Central League games, or which team will show up or dictate the pace of play. Chances are this match will be fast and physical - a real dogfight. Regardless of strategies and counter-strategies, this should be a great night of lacrosse in Delaware County.
| 
