Alright, here it goes …
Class A
#1 Lakeland-Panas (19-1) vs. #2 Yorktown (9-9)
Last time: L/P defeated ‘Town 10-9 in the annual Murphy Cup game. It was by far the best / most competitive game between the two schools in recent memory. The win ended a 13 year drought for the Rebels. Jack Doherty led L/P with 4 goals in the win. Rocky Bonitabitus scored 4 goals for ‘Town in defeat.
Key Players: Andrew Collins (L/P), Dan Dacosta (L/P), Jack Doherty (L/P), Mike Mackay (L/P), Rocky Bonitabitus (Y), John Froats (Y), Mike Bonitabitus (Y), Billy Kelsey (Y)
Outlook: This game looks to be is the premier match-up to take place on Thursday. It has the marquee time slot and all the hype and story lines that anyone could possibly ask for. Instead of rehashing the bountiful history between the two teams, I’m just going to focus on the present game at hand.
‘Town, who led for the majority of the Murphy Cup, clearly know they can play with the Rebels. I think watching this highlight on repeat, including the celebration, should be enough material to amp up the Huskers squad.
It is yet to be known who will take field on ‘Town’s attack. With Froats showing tons of promise in the win over Mamaroneck and then taking a step back in the win over Suffern, combined with Kevin Interlicchio’s standout (3 goals, 2 assists) performance the last time the two teams met, the Huskers’ coaching staff have a tough decision to make. Froats has the speed/mobility edge, while Interlicchio has the edge when it comes to shooting. Keeping in mind that L/P will counter with Malan, Collins and Hoch in the midfield, ‘Town might want to have Froats’ speed and skill to combat them. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Mike Mackay, the junior goalie for the Rebs, outplayed Patrick Werner last time out. If Bonitabitus, who has his starting job back and is playing with an unwavering confidence, can stuff the L/P attack from in close, ‘Town will have a better chance of pulling it out. However, Collins and Hoch have proved that they can convert on mid-long range shots, which Bonitabitus doesn’t seem to handle as well. In particular, higher shots seem to be more of a problem for him. I’d look for L/P to be shooting high as opposed to low. Warren Dill and Ethan Fox must disrupt both Collins and Hoch, staying on their hands at all times, not allowing them to get off uncontested shots.
‘Town must finish on offense, which they have struggled with at times this year. Clearly, this is a pretty cut and dry issue.
The L/P attack, consisting of Rodriguez, McCarron and Doherty, are extremely under rated. Rodriguez is quick and cagey, which allows him to make cuts close to the cage and get off a precise feed. Look for him to quarterback the attack and set up opportunities for his teammates. McCarron has the ability to dodge from behind the cage and create a shot for himself or dish off. He’s also unbelievably resilient. Doherty, who mans the crease, is a prime time finisher, scoring 55 goals thus far this year. I’d look for him to try and find the net early and often, cashing in on goals from in close.
Dacosta leads the defense, and will most likely match-up with Froats — if he plays attack. Being strong, fast and cerebral, Dacosta must set the intensity level high for the Rebs.
L/P, playing the role of the favorite in a match-up against Yorktown, is certainly a change of pace. I think it hurts the Rebels more than helps. ‘Town, who have already lost to the Rebels this year, are seeking revenge, which is a big a motivator as any. L/p — in my opinion — face the ultimate trap game. ‘Town, who dropped the Sectional title last year, lost the Murphy Cup this year, have been through a great deal as a team. I think they are the more battle tested squad — ready for redemption.
Prediction: Yorktown 11, Lakeland-Panas 9
If you made it this far — what do you guys think?
