SECTION 1
Class A: Yorktown 11, Lakeland/Panas 10 (OT)
Class B: Somers 14, John Jay 9
Class C: Putnam Valley 10, Rye 7
Photos by Ray Gallagher
(For a gallery of photos from the three championship games, click here.)
Check back for video interviews and highlights.
This year’s Section 1 championships may well be most remembered for what almost happened rather than what actually did.
That’s because Yorktown nearly fell in the sectional finals for what would have been just the third time in the last 30 years before rallying to defeat Lakeland/Panas 11-10 in overtime.
And John Jay and Rye, meanwhile, were both denied bids for fifth straight sectional titles thanks to inspired efforts by Somers and Putnam Valley respectively.
Here are recaps from today’s games at Glenn D. Loucks Stadium at White Plains:
Class A: Things looked bleak for the Yorktown ‘Huskers late in the fourth quarter today. The second-seeded Rebels, who lost to Yorktown 17-5 in last year’s final, jumped out to a 3-1 lead and rallied to go ahead 9-4 in the third quarter after goals by Conor Prunty, John Hittmann and Jack Doherty.
But Yorktown rallied to tie it at 9-9 with five minutes to go when Remy Lieberman scored his second goal off a Joey Porcelli feed.
Shawn Honovich then scored his third goal with just under four minutes to go to give the Rebels a 10-9 lead.
The ‘Huskers then tied it at 10-10 with 52 seconds left in regulation when Kevin Interlicchio pinned the lower right-hand corner.
After the Rebels won the opening faceoff of overtime, Yorktown defenseman John Fennessy stripped the ball away to give the ‘Huskers possession.
John Ranagan then scored unassisted 1:33 into overtime the give the ‘Huskers the win.
Lakeland/Panas effectively shut off John Ranagan and Kevin Interlicchio, collapsing on both Hopkins-bound all-Americans whenever they touched the ball. Particular entertaining was the matchup of 5-foot-1 Lakeland junior defenseman Andrew Fazio on the 6-4 Ranagan.
(For a feature on Fazio from earlier this season, click here.)
Yorktown will play the Section 2/9 champion on Tuesday in the state quarterfinals at 5:30 p.m.at either Albany or Middletown.
Class B: They’re a team of characters, but the Somers Tuskers proved tonight they are also a team with plenty of character too.
The Tuskers, known for their physical style of play on the field and free spirit off it, entered tonight’s game being in the uncharacteristic position of being a No. 1 seed that was also the underdog.
But that’s more a credit to how well a young, third-seeded John Jay was playing entering tonight’s game. Which makes Somers’ accomplishment even more impressive.
The Tuskers (15-4) hit up a John Jay defense that had been stellar during the second half of the second, led by the four-goal outing of Syracuse-bound senior JoJo Marasco.
While the two-time all-American came up big, so did the rest of the Tuskers’ offense. Junior attackman Greg Petre had three goals, including one seven seconds into the game after classmate Erik Pfiffner won the opening faceoff.
Three players Colin Tullgren, Kieran Donohue and Cole Partenza each had two goals for the Tuiskers.
Somers’ close defense of Erik Zmuidins, John Bello and Eddie Schurr effectively shut off John Jay all-America midfielder Will Stewart, holding him to one goal. Junior goalie Chris Longo enjoyed his second outstanding effort of the season against John Jay, making 17 saves. Sophomore midfielder Mike Daniello had four goals and two assists for the Indians (10-9). Drew Beck also scored three times.
Somers will play the Section 2/Section 9 winner likely to be Section 2’s Niskayuna on Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the University at Albany (if the Section 2 team wins) or Middletown High School (if the Section 9 team wins).
Class C: Dillon Chesnut scored five goals, including the 100th of his career, as top-seeded Putnam Valley picked up a 10-7 win over No. 2 Rye for its first sectional title since 2004.
The game was tied 2-2 after the first quarter and 4-4 at halftime before Put Valley (14-4) outscored Rye 4-0 in the third quarter.
After Jack O’Callaghan pulled Rye (12-7) within 8-6 in the fourth, Chesnut scored his fourth of the game and 100th of his career to give PV a 9-6 lead with three minutes remaining.
O’Callaghan and Matt Foristell each had two goals for Rye.
Brendan McCrudden made 15 saves for the Tigers.
The Tigers, who lost to Rye in the 2005, ’06 and ’07 sectional finals, will play the Section 2/Section 9 winner Tuesday in the state quarterfinals.
Tuesday’s Long Island championship matchups are now complete with the completion of today’s Suffolk County title games.
Here are recaps of today’s games at Stony Brook University:
Class A: In the featured game of the day at Stony Brook, a strong second half lifted West Islip to a 9-5 win over Ward Melville.
Andrew Hodgson had four goals for West Islip (19-1). Teammate Nicky Galasso added three.
Greg Smith had two goals for the Patriots (16-2).
The Lions will play Hicksville on Tuesday at 6 p.m. for the Long Island championship at Stony Brook University.
Class B: Doug Meehan’s fourth goal of the game midway through the fourth quarter snapped a 9-9 tie as Sayville defeated Smithtown West 11-9.
The Golden Flashes (14-5) will play Garden City Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Long Island championship game at Stony Brook.
Class C: Top-seeded Mount Sinai (12-6) got three goals each from Joey Bongiorno and Shane Henry in an 11-8 win over Glenn to advance to Tuesday’s 3 p.m. Long Island championship game against Manhasset.
Kyle Calabro scores today for Putnam Valley.
(Photo by Ray Gallagher)
NCN Sports Section 1 championship video highlights:
Class A: For Yorktown’s 11-10 overtime win over Lakeland/Panas game, click here.
Class B: For highlights of Somers’ 14-9 win over John Jay in the Class B title game, click here.
Reach Joe Lombardi at joe@laxlesons.com.
Title time:
New York state tournament playoff bracket and schedule
Section 1 final results (includes state tournament schedule)
Nassau, Suffolk final results (includes state tournament schedule)
FCIAC, SCC and SWC final results (includes CIAC state tourney schedule)
Breaking down the CIAC tournament (includes brackets and schedule)
Voting starts for LaxLessons.com all-region team with attack
LaxLessons.com recruit profiles: Is yours up and working for you?
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What great games yesterday. I think all 3 teams have a great chance of winning nest Tuesday. Buit will have to be at top of their games against L.I. opponents. Town will have biggest challenge against West Islip. and cant afford to get behind. Good luck to all 3 teams Town, Somers, Put Valley.. This is what it is all about.
Chris “THE WALL” Longo along with John Bello Erik Zmuidens and Eddie Schurr where a key role in last nights win for somers.
They play Section 2 on Tuesday, not Long Island, but actually, you’re thoughts are correct, because this isn’t your grandfathers Sec 2. I think that Yorktown can get by Guilderland, but given how G thumped Pac and easily beat L/P, it’s not a slam dunk, and a loss wouldn’t stun me. Sec 2 Class C is a joke, I think PV gets through easily.
And I think Somer’s has a chance to beat Nisky. They’ll have to bring their best, but I think that they can pull an upset here. Would I bet the house on it? Of course not. But I don’t think that this is as unthinkable as I once thought it was.
Laxlove –
Good point about the Somers defense. To hold John Jay to seven goals in both meetings is very impressive.
Check back for video interviews with all four players you mentioned.
Somers definitely has a good shot again Niskayuna. Nisky, with the brilliant tactician Mike Vorgang as head coach, may be the best defensive team in the country. But that also means it doesn’t beat teams by wide margins in most cases or at least strong teams like Somers.
So I expect this to be a 7-5 or 6-4 type game either way. If Somers had win faceoffs, get ground balls and gain possession, it will have a good shot.
Thoughts?
Yorktown will have a very tough game against Guilderland. I expect Guilderland to run a defense almost identical to the one Lakeland/Panas showcased yesterday. And let’s not forget, Guilderland beat Lakeland/Panas 15-10 during the regular season.
Joe – In my opinion I do not think that Somers has a shot against Nisky. I give Somers credit, they were the better team last night but Jay did not come to play. Somers won the game by controlling all aspects; ground balls, face off’s, saves. Franklin had a hard time seeing the ball in goal last night, the Jay defense looked confused, they just looked like the Jay team from earlier in the season. I counted a dozen Jay shots directly into Longo’s stick – very disapointing way to end the season after such a great run at the end. Nisky is at a whole different level. My prediction, Nisky by 4 or 5 goals.
Good point Joe, I dont think Town has played a perfect game yet I agree Guilderland will be tougher than expected. But if they learned anything from last night it is that you have to bring you (A) game each time you step on the field. I think they can get by Guilderland Tuesday, but HUAAAGE challenge on Thursday, I do not see West Islip going down to Hicksville. I would be interested in anyones thoughts on how you see next weeks games. I think Somers has a real good shot at Nisky as well. I do not know tthat much about Put Valley other than what I read in the blogs, but they seem to be well rounded. In any case next week should be fun.
The Class C quarterfinal will almost certainly be Putnam Valley against Section 9’s Red Hook. I can’t imagine Schuylerville winning the play-in on Saturday. Either way, Putnam Valley will make it to Middletown.
I’ll say this about Somers: Nisky played basically no one last year, save for John Jay, and then when it came time to play Yorktown the Silver Warriors brought their pretty undefeated record to Yorktown and lost.
This is a similar scenario. I have no doubt Somers will be by far the best team Nisky has faced all season. We all know Nisky plays great D, but believe it or not I actually think the outcome of this game hinges on how well Eddie Schurr and the rest of the Tuskers defense does against Nisky’s all-world attackman Jared Franze. He has like 70 goals. Nisky doesn’t have much scoring depth on offense, so, from where I’m standing, if Somers plays great D, the type of D they are capable of, they can most certainly win this game.
Yorktown? You guys know my thoughts. I’ve been saying for the last few weeks that Guilderland will be no walk in the park.
LacrosseInsider-
JohnJay had shots all over the place against “THE WALL” Longo. There where about 4 shots off THE WALLS body and rebounded infront of the goal JJ picks it up shoots again and THE WALL make a redirecting save. Longo is not a stick saver he gets his body infront of the ball and shuts down Offence’s such as JOHNJAY!
-laxkid
Cuse great comments as always, How do you see the West Islip Hicksville game?. Any chance West Ialip has a let down or is looking ahead to Thursday and Hicksvill steals the game?. I dont know if it was me but did anyone think Yorktown looked tired.? I know they had a classic comeback, however they just looked tight to me. Any thoughts
LacrosseInsider –
Niskayuna will be the favorite, but it’s a very winnable game for Somers. However, the Tuskers will have to play as well, if not better, than they did vs. JJ last night, which was by far Somers’ best-played game of the season both offensively and defensively.
John Jay played Niskayuna to a 5-2 game. Judging by the way Somers’ offense has come on, you would have to say the Tuskers could score seven or eight vs. the Silver Warriors which may be all that’s needed to get a win, provided it plays as well defensively as it did last night.
Then, looking ahead, I think the Section 1/2 winner may even be the favorite in the Garden City-Sayville game.
Joe ,
How do you see the Yorktown Guilderland game matching up, and then looking ahead, Any chance you see Town pulling off upset againsy West Islip. They would need to play a perfect game against the Lions, and follow that up with another solid game I suspect against Genny, in the finals. They will have to play with a lot more intensity from here on. What are your thoughts.
Peace I’m out.
Re-Lax-N
I will be previewing all three Long Island Championship games on Monday. I just got off the phone with Garden City historian Jack White, a really nice man who has no equal when it comes to statistics and history, and he was very interested to know about Somers and Nisky.
As for West Islip-Hicksville, on paper this isn’t much of a game, but we’ve all seen no-name teams emerge from Long Island in the past, so if I’m West Islip or Garden City, there’s no chance I’m looking ahead to the state semifinals.
I did not see Yorktown yesterday, but from what I’ve heard I think they were more frustrated by L/P’s incredible shut-off game plan than anything else. Joe would know more, obviously.
Come out, come out wherever you are all you West Islip doubters.
Like I said there was no chance WM would ever beat us twice.
I think the one interesting thing that no one has brought up is that the two coaches at Guilderland are both close friends of Lindsay’s and played with him at Albany. Wonder if they’ll be making any phone calls later on and getting advice from him. He seems to be the only one who consistantly levels the playing field with Y-town (last years sectionals being the exception).
Cuse Thanks for the update, Talk to you on Monday,
Lax, sorry I did not see your comments until a second ago. You are right It will be very interesting to see how Guilderland’s (D) will play against Yorktown. As for West Islip, Unless Yorktown plays a perfect game and they can somehow stop the Attack of West Islip, I just don’t see how they make it to finals. You will have two storied programs and two of the best teams in the nation playing against eachother next Thursday, but there can be only one winner. But that is why you play the game. Upsets happen , all we have to do is look back to last year when both West Islip. and Yorktown were upsetr by a good Syosset team.
Joe i would like to say i strongly disagree with the notion that somers close defense held will Stewart in check all night, as he played middie the whole time and none of the three close defensemen were on him. They did play extremely well, but the credit for holding Stewart down has to go to the unsung heroes, the defensive middies. The combination of Christian Smith, Matt Dalton, Pat Hashmal, and Andrew Madigan were the ones to take him out of the game. He was stripped 4 times, once by Dalton and 3 times by Smith(one leading to a fastbreak goal) in what was easily the best game either has played all season. Whether locking him off or playing straight defense, these 4 kept him down and without their AA John Jay was confused. So i say lets give these unsung heroes a little spotlight here and congratulate them on a game well played.
I have to say I learned something about Yorktown on Thursday at the fab White Plains venue. They are a unique team. They may not be the “perfect” team people expect them to be…but they play their unique style, it has worked for them thru the season, and showed they can come from behind and pull it out when they need to. They are a team that has gelled and are in tune with each others play. They also put up a W..
So from now on I’m a believer, I think they can go to Albany, Middletown, Rochester and win it all. Go Town!
Somers – I’m glad you mentioned those guys, because it was certainly an entire team effort defensively.
4TownD –
Were you at the same game I was last night? Yorktown was very lucky to beat a mediocre LP team. If they don’t lose to Guilderland they will definitely go down to West Islip. Their goose is cooked.
It was John Jay’s worst game of the seasom and Somer’s best. But give them credit. I still think if we play them 10 times we win 6 at least.
Next year, JJ will own Section 1 lax with the 13 sophs juniors led by the amazing Mikey D. – who will be the best player in all of Section One by far if he isn’t already.
While I don’t know if it Yorktown was lucky to win last night , they certianlly should not have been in such a precarious position so late in the game. L/P outplayed them (In my opinion) But they do play as a team and showed a lot of heart to come back and get the W. They need to play complete games, which does not seem to be their M.O. this year. If Ranagan and K.I. get held in check Town needs others to step up to the plate. I think we saw glimpses of that last night. (Tom Casey Remy Lieberman, Justin Mabus) just to name a few. As for the D I thinf Brunelle, Fennesey,Fox , Cabrielle are doing a good job. Mike B is solid in net sometimes he looks a bit shakey to start but it does not take long for him to make a key save or to get going.Yorktown has to start winning more face-offs, they are the key to any offense as well as bal controll.
Purple – I believe that KI will own that title next year…….
Joe and others –
We shall see, it would be great to see Somers move on past Nisky but I just don’t see it being close. My opinion of course. And Laxkid you are correct, Longo played amazing, however, several shots were like playing catch.
L/P definitely should have won that game last night! They worked extremely hard and it should have been their win!
JJ would have won if they played the game like they did in the first quarter. Somers obviously wanted it more. But JJ seniors, be proud of your year – it has to be difficult to be constantly reminded of the “great players” of previous years instead of concentrating on the individual talent you all brought to the team this year. Best of luck to you all!
John Jay are the biggest whiners. Excuses, excuses. Somers is the better team! The game was not CLOSE! John Jay got stomped!!! Somers man for man was better and as a team totally superior. Bello (28) owned Daniello and Smith LSM (17) shut down Stewart! Longo was the WALL!!! Offensively JoJo owns the section and Donohue, Petre and Partenza on attack were unmatched.
Pfiefner and Deiana dominated on faceoffs!
How could you say Bello owned Daniello when daniello went 4 and 2? But you’re right coming from a JJ fan Somers was definitely the better team last night.
how many Goals does Marasco have on the season
Oops, left out Schurr and Zmuidins, defensive anchors, and Haas and Tullgren on offense. Robbie Lombardo returns Tuesday and his brother Anthony is another Face Off monster! Somers is stacked! Dalton, Hashmell and Madigan. Enough said! Somers is too deep!
John Jay’s players are class acts too bad their fans don”t follow their example.
Put Valley, Yorktown and Somers were not just the better team last night. They are the best teams in the section!
Congratulations to all and go Section 1!
Wow, after beating john jay twice in one season jj still has the nerve to make even more excuses. How bout maning up and saying the better team won. If, ands and buts were candy and nuts o what a merry christmas we would have. To “purple reigns” keep making excuses, somers is only losing about 5 or 6 players next year. And um i beleive that you guys pretty much garaunteed a victory so why should everyone believe you now.
Daslax- you’re right. Somers won fair and square and there should be no excuses. I can’t even speculate as to what Somers will be like next year. It seems on paper right now that Jay will be considerably stronger, but we will see. Good Luck against Niskayuna.
Somers fans and players PurpleReigns does not represent JJ so stop criticizing JJ fans based on one guy. Somers will be very strong again next year but JJ is young as well and it will probably be a great game next year.
Ok, from a JJ fan: Somers IS the better team this year, when I said last night I didn’t mean just last night. Congratulations to them. Both teams have a bright future to look forward to though.
I agree coaching paid a big part in the win which is saying something because the Savastanos and their staff do a real excellent job for John Jay. Somers really was prepared and executed. A big reason was the addition of Ted Georgalas three weeks ago after JV season ended. He was at every practice and really made a big impact. I think anyone would tell you there’s been no finer coach in Section One history so having him work with varsity was huge.
Kept reading about John Jay’s midfield depth and how that would be the difference. Where was it? Somers midfield dominated John Jay and that was without Rob Lombardo. Pfiffner, Haas and Tullgren are all so athletic and did a nice job dodging as well. This does not bode well for John Jay next year although Haas is a senior.
West Islip is the real deal….gotta give those boys their due respect…love Town, but that is a match-up from Hell, and that is just in the Semi’s! Tough road for the Huskers! Good luck!
Somfan, Hmmm, not sure I’m accepting you as the arbiter of class. You sound more like a trash talking WWE wrestler than a “classy” lax observer. You and PurpleReigns would make a great pair….
Again, don’t talk about West Islip. Yorktown must worry about Guilderland. Lax is right. Bet every cent you have on Guilderland running a variation of the Lakeland/Panas shutoff D on Ranagan and Interlicchio.
In all fairness, a lot of people have said all season Casey and Lieberman need to step up for Yorktown to go where many think they can go. Well, those two did work yesterday and will have to continue to capitalize on their opportunities, especially against Guilderland.
I just can’t imagine Ranagan and KI being allowed to roam freely. Any team that allows this is asking for it.
Nisy will lose
ANDY FAZIO #21 LAKELAND PANAS–“INCH FOR INCH” THE ABSOLUTE BEST PLAYER ON THE FIELD WITH TREMENDOUS HEART!!!!
Used to think he was not taller then just over 5 ft. NAH, he’s NOT EVEN 5 feet!!
Not only does this kid have very good lacrosse skills and handle his long pole (which towers over him) really well BUT DID YOU SEE HOW HE TRIED HIS BEST AT “4 FT, NOTHEN” TO GUARD RANAGAN. HE JUST KEPT GETTING UP AFTER BEING CRUSHED TIME AFTER TIME BY JOHN. WHY? CAUSE THE KID NOT ONLY HAS SKILL BUT GUTS AND HEART AND THAT WAS HIS JOB!!
EVERY COACH WANTS “AN ANDY FAZIO” ON HIS TEAM AND WANTS HIS PLAYERS TO PLAY WITH THE SKILL, HEART AND ENTHUSIASM OF #21
“IDEALS” FOR AN AA. JUST LOOK AT HIM PLAY!! AND HE’S BACK NEXT YEAR!!
Tusker Town:
Yes it is true Coach G was there a few days after the JV season. And he is one the finest Sect 1 has had ( Vitolo, Corace, Turnbull ) However , give credit where it is due, Ted did not put anything new in, or change any thing X’s and O’s. This was Lew and Brians show form Day 1. They came up with the game plan, and have these kids playing at a high level at the right ime of the season winning ten in a row. Congrats to Somers the entire staff,and players. Go Get those Silver Warriors!!
If Somers plays like yesterday they absolutely have a shot at beating Nisky.
I do not mean any disrespect. Somers is a gutsy tough team and they took it to John Jay this year. That being said, I would be shocked if they beat Niskayuna. Somers has JoJo Morasco and a bunch of awesome athletes but they will not be able to score enough goals on Nisky. Without making excuses, JJ did play terrible in the sectional finals against Somers. I won’t attribute it to anything because it is besides the point, but please do not look at JJ’s 5-2 loss to Nisky and say Somers can do it. The only team in our section that I would feel comfortable predicting to beat Nisky would be Town- and they could lose to them too.
Nisky 10 Somers 6
JoJo is held to one assist
I could not believe how “ordinary” ALL facets of Town’s D was last night. Weak on transition, slow slides, kids getting run past, etc, etc. Yeah maybe Mikey has had better games but he was getting assaulted for a while there.Town can definitely play better D and they better or they may not get past Guildy!!
On a positive note liked the way Casey, Lieb, others were definitely more integral parts of the O. Ranagan a beast but he cant be taking every face-off and then running, making O plays a majority of the time. Yes he’s got incredible stamina but even he can get tired with the potential to lose an “edge”.
slacrosse
22 shots on net is not a assault it’s a normal game what are talking about
LAXIT,
Yes maybe too strong a word but sticking with my overall comment on T’s D. It just did not look sharp at all with the caliber of players they have. They’re capable of playing much better D in my opinion.
I do think if Y’town plays a complete game, they have the athletes to get it done. But too often they fall in love with iso’ing their big guys, and everyone else stands around. L/P demonstrated how to be patient and to find the open man. KI did a nice job in the second half moving it. I think it too simple to say that Liberman/Casey at al “need to step up”. They need to be put in a position to win, which comes from ball movement. Also, Y’town has to at least hold their own on face-offs. Criticism of Mikey B a bit unfounded I think, quite a few of the L/P goals came from excellent shots close in.
As I said on Thursday night, Niskayuna may be the best defensive team in the nation year in and year out. But the fact is, we just don’t know how good the Silver Warriors are comparatively speaking this season. Their schedule doesn’t allow us to make that determination. All we know is they beat John Jay 5-2 a John Jay team Somers beat once by the same three-goal margin and the second time by five goals.
Now, check the link below and scroll down to Niskayuna’s game-by-game results. Other than that, there are no results that can provide any indication of what may happen. Does the fact Nisky beat a Ballston Spa team 16-1 that Fox Lane beat 10-5 help us? Not really. Or that Niskayuna beat Hen Hud 15-1? Again, not really.
So again, based on the John Jay mutual results, you have to rate Tuesday’s game a tossup.
Our knowledge of the Nisky program and past teams is helpful, but shouldn’t be determined to draw inferences on what will happen this season.
http://www.timesunion.com/highschoolsports/boyslacrosse/team.asp?site=default&TeamID=366&SearchType=Teams&TeamName=Niskayuna
So at this point, I would have to project Tuesday’s game will be a 7-6, 6-5 type contest either way. Maybe even lower than that 5-4, 4-3, etc.
Thoughts?
joe what about nisky beating guiderland big and guiderland beating lakeland and somers barely beating lakeland. can you follow that?
Jade –
Excellent point, and Nisky did not just beat Guilderland but won convincingly 15-2. But that game was early in the season. While I do put weight in it, I don’t think you can put too much.
Syracuse,
What are your predictions for Nisky vs Somers?
Tuskers Town –
Excellent point about Teddy G. The Somers team I saw Thursday was a completely different one than the one that was undisciplined and penalty plagued during the season. Other than a hold vs. Marasco I can’t remember a single Somers penalty. What a transformation thanks I’m sure to Teddy, a true legend here in Mahopac. I hope he can weave more magic against Niskayuna.
Nisky and Guilderland played twice, with Nisky only winning 6-2 the second time. The blowout was in April; the close game was on May 12.
Don’t make too much of the fact that Nisky won so big the first time. Also, don’t make a big deal about Guilderland beating Lakeland/Panas 15-10. If L/P doesn’t try the shutoff game plan, Yorktown probably drops 15 or more on them, too.
Laxbus,
This is the same Laxbus who only shows up on the Section 1 blogs when states rolls around. This is also the same Laxbus who was convinced Nisky was beating Yorktown last year. Well, having said all that are you overly confident again that Nisky will beat Somers?
Trust me, Somers is not Queensbury, or Burnt Hills or Saratoga Springs or any of the other inferior teams up there in Section 2.
I realize Nisky is a special program, but it didn’t play a difficult schedule last year and it cost them come states. This year, again, all they did was play a clearly rebuilding John Jay, and only won 5-2. So while I am still confident Nisky will win the state Class B crown, if anyone up there thinks Somers will be Ballston Spa just because they aren’t Yorktown, you better think again.
Somers is by far the best team Nisky will have played this season. It’s not even close.
I’ll make a prediction on Monday.
Absolutely. My understanding is that Teddy was offered the Somers varsity job but turned it down. Lew and Brian have a done a commendable job but having Teddy helping out now is huge. Best of lucky vs. Nisky on Tuesday.
Somers will need all the coaching help they can get Tuesday. Mike Vorgang is the best HS coach in the country. He mops the floor outcoaching Yorktown and John Jay coaches whenever they play. Somers coaches will be the next ones to be embarrased and picked apart by him.
Silver Swords,
Stop man. You’re embarrassing yourself.
Sorry folks. He’s new.
Yes…still the same Laxbus. I have be quietly watching the blogs. I make no predictions this year. I think it’s going to be a great game between Nisky and Somers and ultimately the boys will decide who is the Downstate Champion. Best of luck to both teams
Syracuse, you are a ninja when it comes to these things, so I hope your predictions come true.
Syracuse,
…and for the record, I wasn’t overly confident that Nisky would beat Yorktown. I merely stated that, contrary to all the buzz on the blog, it would be a close game, which it was.
Laxbus,
Franze is a special player, but depth-wise I would say you have three guys who are fantastic on offense. I love your defense, mostly the system.
I’m thinking along the lines of like 7-5 Nisky.
Syracuse get out of my face. I’m telling you all what’s gonna happen. If you don’t like it tough #@_#. Your the embarrasing one bc you think Somers has a chance.
NISKY 8, SOMERS 1
Syracuse,
You are always the gentleman and logical in you thought processes.
Silver Swords,
Best not to talk smack. This will be a close game and the toughest game Nisky has played thus far.
Syracuse and Silver Swords –
You are both free to express your opinions (in fact we encourage it). And yes, even talk trash (as long as it’s not inappropriate) if that floats your boat. But please do not engage in name-calling or labeling one another “embarrassing” for disagreeing with your personal point of view. Feel free to voice your disagreements (that’s what the blog is all about), but please do so in a respectful, intelligent manner.
Joe I just gave my opinion and he tried to make me sound like an idiot just because he doesn’t agree. It was really uncalled for. Like you said he can disagree but don’t call me embarrasing or say I don’t know better because I’m new. I really didn’t appreciate that.
Silver Swords – It won’t be 8-1, but then again Nisky’s D is nasty so you never know.
I disagree about the coaching point you make. Somers will be plenty prepared, especially with Teddy G. on board, as was John Jay and Yorktown when they played Nisky.
However you do have the right to say what you think without getting attacked like you did by Syracuse. You’re right. It was uncalled for. I have also found him to be dismissive of those who dare disagree with him. On behalf of all of us rational posters on this board, please accept our apologies and please keep posting your thoughts on the game.
lets remember the last time john jay played nisky in the regionals when it counted jj beat nisky 7-5. Nisky never beat john jay when it counted. I will say that nisky defense is probably the best in the state and if somers scores more than 4 i will be suprised
Silver Sword –
Don’t pay attention to anything Cusey says. He obvi has no clue about upstate lax. He said there was no way Schoolerville (sp) would beat Red Hook today in Comment 9 and Schoolerville won 17-9. Haha. Nice pick there Cusey.
As far as I know no Section 9 team has ever won a state tournament game and judging by what I’ve seen from Red Hook in the past they’re very bad. Maybe Syracuse didn’t know that and was further thrown off by the fact that Schulerville is a second-year program?
All the Section 2/9 opening-round games at the University at Albany have been decided, folks.
Here are the scores:
Class A:
Guilderland 10, Warwick Valley 6 (Guilderland will play Yorktown on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the University at Albany in the state quarterfinals)
Class B:
Niskayuna 20, Saugerties 0 (Niskayuna will play Somers on Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the University at Albany in the state quarterfinals)
Class C:
Schuylerville 17, Red Hook 9 (Schuulerville will play Put Valley on Tuesday at 3at the University at Albany in the state quarterfinals)
Silver Swords,
Obviously you’re sensitive and I apologize, so forget what I wrote before.
Here’s my response to your extremely not well thought out opinion.
To say Mike Vorgang is the best coach in the country, to me, is a ridiculous statement, what with guys like Mike Messere, Joe Cuozzo, Bob Streeten, Jack Moran and Nick Savastano, alone, in New York state, and Jeff Brameier at Darien. Not to mention the hundreds of other coaches from down south and across the land who have actually won something or done more than get to just one state final.
I’m not saying Vorgang isn’t a good coach. Heck, I’ve been talking more about Nisky on this board than anyone, almost exclusively positive I might add.
And to say Vorgang has “mopped the floor” with both Dave Marr of Yorktown and Savastano of John Jay “whenever they’ve played” is also ridiculous, considering one has beaten Nisky more than he’s lost and the other has more than held his own.
So, that’s why I said you embarrassed yourself.
And to all of you who quickly objected to my tone, I appreciate how you glossed over his actual “opinion” in the first place. Don’t make it about me. I’m sorry, but those were absurd statements he made.
This isn’t about thinking Somers has a chance or will win. I have been on record saying Nisky will win the Class B state championship since the preseason. In fact, I believe it’s the first thing I ever wrote.
Purple Reigns,
You are the ultimate critic because rather than appreciate the fact that I have been trying to give you guys updates on the upstate action, you take shots. You pile on. And this isn’t the first time. You own people have told you to pipe down. Where else are you getting a section by section breakdown of upstate New York action?
So, since you have proclaimed yourself the leader of the “Anti-Cuse” fan club I invite you any time to sit down for a serious debate on aspects of the game, Section 1, your favorite color or anything else you care to discuss.
I’d really like to see you put your money where your mouth is.
Cuse – It’s funny you accused others of being sensitive because that’s exactly what you appear to be. Granted, Purple Reigns lacks tact and loves to provoke, but he did raise an interesting point. You basically guaranteed Red Hook would win. They didn’t even come close. Instead of lashing out like a cornered animal why not explain why you went with Red Hook considering Section 9’s woeful history in lax. Or are you going to challenge me to a duel as well for daring to bring this up?
Not at all Jaybird. For reasons stated earlier I just didn’t think Schuylerville, with a then-7-11 record and having played a very weak schedule, could beat Red Hook, which appears to be much more established as a program. I blew that one. It happens.
For every one I get wrong, I get a heck of a lot more right. So, yes, I came up woefully short on that one, but I do believe some people pile on when I get anything wrong and conveniently look the other way when I’m right. I don’t think you can disagree with that. Do I bring it on myself? I think sometimes I do, but I’m at least able to admit that. I think sometimes people jump on me for absolutely no reason, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to back down or stop doing what I love to do.
I do my best to give the fans the information and opinion that they want. Some agree with me, some don’t. It is what it is.
Why you have a problem with me seems odd to me because if you have been paying attention this season, which I believe you have, I have been in Jay’s corner, urging caution and optimism whenever I can. I have kept the conversation positive, for the most part, but some people like to think back to the evil CUSE of previous years and another board and carry some of those things with them to LaxLessons.
So, if that’s the case I guess I’m in a no-win situation with a lot of people. I can live with that.
I just like to set the record straight as to my thought process. It’s not being sensitive. It’s about making sure I’m not misinterpreted. That said, though, I am human and am not going to be dictated to, especially when it’s me trying to do what I’m required to while everyone else gets free reign to be as arrogant and antagonistic as they want without any repercussions. They make it personal. I do not unless provoked and even then I have to be careful what I say.
And I didn’t lash out like a cornered animal. I think you would agree my response to Purple Reigns was quite measured considering my penchant for getting a little hot under the collar.
OK, just to continue the debate on why ‘CUSE, in his infinite wisdom, picked Section 9’s Red Hook over Section 2’s Schuylerville in Saturday’s state tournament play-in game, here’s some information you all should know. It may shed some light on my thought process. There’s historical precedent that I felt was prudent. Add it to the fact that Schuylerville is in its infancy as a program and I felt Red Hook would win.
* In 2006, Section 9’s O’Neill defeated Section 2’s Greenwich Central before losing to Rye,
* In 2005, Section 9’s O’Neill defeated Section 2’s Greenwich Central before losing to Rye.
* In 2004, Section 9’s O’Neill defeated Section 2’s Johnstown before losing to Putnam Valley.
* In 2003, Section 9’s O’Neill defeated Section 2’s Johnstown before losing to Somers.
Here is a breakdown of how Sections 1, 2, 3, 8 & 11 have fared against each other and the rest of the state in the tournament:
Section 1
43-7 all-time against Section 2
4-8 all-time against Section 3
2-1 all-time against Section 4
10-18 all-time against Section 8
14-2 all-time against Section 9
6-22 all-time against Section 11
Section 2
7-43 all-time against Section 1
0-1 all-time against Section 3
0-3 all-time against Section 8
8-4 all-time against Section 9
1-3 all-time against Section 11
Section 3
8-4 all-time against Section 1
1-0 all-time against Section 2
51-14 all-time against Section 4
30-3 all-time against Section 5
11-2 all-time against Section 6
6-4 all-time against Section 8
14-0 all-time against Section 10
6-14 all-time against Section 11
Section 8
18-10 all-time against Section 1
3-0 all-time against Section 2
4-6 all-time against Section 3
7-1 all-time against Section 4
3-1 all-time against Section 5
3-0 all-time against Section 9
31-32 all-time against Section 11
Section 11
22-6 all-time against Section 1
3-1 all-time against Section 2
14-6 all-time against Section 3
4-0 all-time against Section 4
0-0 all-time against Section 5
2-0 all-time against Section 6
32-31 all-time against Section 8
1-0 all-time against Section 10
Silver Swords,
Very nice that you are behind your boys, and Coach. HOWEVER, have you ever seen Somers Play this year?? Do you know anything about Coach Lew Janavey and his staff? That is the problem with many of these comments. They do come from people who do not really Know. Wishing the Best for all the teams, good games!!
Look I’m sure the Somers coaches fo a nice job. That’s obvious. But Mike Vorgang is at another level. He should be coaching a top college program. The fact is Nisky starts every game up 3-0 because of him. Sorry if this ruffled some feathers. Just telling it like it is.
Whoa. Easy there Tiger. You better pipe down. You’re playing a Section 1 team now not those pushovers from Albany. You’re not in Kansas anymore Dorothy!
Sheesh. If there’s one thing that annoys P-Reigns it’s fans that are overly cocky about their teams.
Speaking of that I see the CROP has been in exile since the Lakeland disaster. Way to dessert your boys. What’s up with that?
Vorgang thinks he is good, wait to somers scores 10 against his might defense who plays against no one.
Mike Vorgang is a good coach, but come on. Why is he better than any Section 1 coach. He has no state titles, only 1 state finals appearance. Lets not go crazy. He runs a tight ship which works for him, but I would rather let the boys play. He has lost more than won vs Town so I dont see it Silver Swords. A disciplined defense, which is nicely run. I dont see the offense doing much vs anyone. Ill take Sav, Marr, Dooley, etc over him, sorry. Section 2 lax is not on par with Section 1 yet. It may get there, and is getting closer but Nisky plays so many bad teams up there it hurts them come playoffs. They have not made a state semi since 2005 i believe when they made the finals and were crushed 15-2 to Genny. So you can keep your coach and we will take ours. Good luck on Tuesday.
I believe that the Niskayuna program sticks out like such a sore thumb up in Albany it’s almost too easy to fall in love with its regional success. Besides Guilderland and Shenendehowa, which have proven to be on the rise, after those three there isn’t much else.
Latham Shaker used to be the dominant team up there, but when push came to shove its season would invariably end in the first round of the state tournament (before Section 9 was introduced to the fray and started semi-alternating years against Sections 2 and 1 in the play-in game starting in the first few years of this decade). That’s Nisky the program.
Nisky the individual team on a yearly basis has proven to go beyond the label of “Albany’s power,” as evidenced by the fact that it has gotten to one state final and has beaten both Yorktown and John Jay — tremendous accomplishments considering the fact that you start with baby steps. Any program worth anything sooner or later realizes it has to move beyond just beating up other programs in its backyard. To me, however, Nisky is going at a glacial pace in this regard.
Because Vorgang, for reasons only he truly knows, hasn’t as of yet put together the type of schedule that would make his teams be considered by the layman as worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as the elite of the state — in this case West Genny and West Islip. Obviously Vorgang realizes the only way to truly get the type of legitimacy his program desires is to win a state title, so my guess is that’s why though his school dropped to Class B this season he didn’t petition to stay up in A (if that was indeed an option), but you can develop that elitist reputation without necessarily winning a state title.
Look no further than John Jay. The Indians play everyone. And they do this for several reasons.
First, reputation-wise Jay needs to play the best possible competition to make up for the fact that on a daily basis it cannot get it from playing an entirely Section 1 schedule. Yorktown learned this 30 years ago and now most every team that aspires to be elite has followed suit. Lakeland/Panas, Mahopac, Somers, etc., play as many out-of-section teams as possible.
Second, from an individual team perspective, nothing prepares a team for the rigors of a state tournament more than playing teams from elsewhere that you know you’ll see again down the road. Town plays Melville, Town used to play Manhasset. Jay likely never beats Huntington a few years ago when it mattered without having first playing them and learning from the loss earlier in the same season.
Third, superior schedule making is contagious. You do it, those around you start to do it. That’s a good thing because suddenly while your reputation and individual team big game experience improves, the buzz grows. More kids suddenly want to play lacrosse. It snowballs from there.
Simply put, for Niskayuna to gain serious state-wide legitimacy it has to 1. win a state title or 2. develop the reputation as a program that takes on all-comers. It has done neither yet …
That said though, I do believe this year’s Nisky team — as a credit to Vorgang — is so stout defensively and has such good individual offensive players (granted, no depth in that regard) it can win a state title. Of course, being a B school and not having to deal with the true power programs of the state doesn’t hurt. It’s not a slight to drop to B, but that reasoning only works if you win. Winning the crown would more or less erase the reputation of “they play no one” because winning a B title is a great accomplishment. It would mean they still got by Long Island, size of the school played nothwithstanding because often B schools on the Island are just as good (and probably are more deep team-wise) than many of the A schools.
So, ultimately, for Nisky it’s either win the state title or be known as a program that’s great for its area but apparently is unwilling to do what is necessary to develop that killer reputation as a program that doesn’t back down from anyone.
Syracuse,
Great write up. I would agree with most of what you have said. It is true that Section 2 is young compared to other Sections where there are 2nd and 3rd generation lax players. This group of Niskayuna seniors is the first to have been throught Coach Vorgang’s entire instructional program from Pee Wee lax to the Varsity level.
I would hesitate to label Niskayuna’s rise to a state-level quality of play as “glacial”. It took Yorktown 15 years to reach it’s first State Finals. Niskayuna made it in 10. It took Yorktown 19 years to win it’s first State Championship. Niskayuna is at year 15, and by your own prediction this may be our year.
Just my two cents…good luck tomorrow…
Laxbus,
Your math is way off. The NYS tournament started in 1977. Yorktown reached its first state final in 1980, losing to Syracuse-Henniger. It then went back to the state final (there were no size classifications back then) every year, losing each time to West Genny before finally beating West Genny in 1984 for its first title. So it only took three years to get to a final and seven to win one. And if there had been a tournament before 1977, odds are they might have made an appearance or two.
But I appreciate you engaging in the debate.
I’m measuring from the beginning of each program. Yorktown was a bid dog back in the day, but there weren’t that many big dogs back then. Niskayuna started when there were a lot of big dogs. It has been a harder fight for us to get where we are, given the young program, the lack of competition in Section 2 to prepare us to battle in the State Tournament, etc. I think that given what he has had to work with, Vorgang has done very well. Bottom line is that it is tough to measures apples and oranges.
And I do enjoy your debates.
…and as to measure how we will do against Somers based on the 5-2 win over JJ….here’s an interesting fact.
Our faceoff man didn’t play that game. Our 2nd string faceoff man didn’t win a faceoff till the 4th qtr. Surprisingly, JJ didn’t score till the 4th qtr. How does a team hold JJ scoreless without winning a faceoff???
..forgot to mention that our faceoff man has won 80% of his draws this year
Laxbus,
I just don’t think you can say it took Yorktown 17 years to get to its first state final when for the first 14 years there was no tournament. By ignoring that fact, you are doing so conveniently to help shape your argument. You can say it took Nisky 10 years. That’s not impacted.
Big dogs or no big dogs back in the day, Town still had to get by Long Island and then beat Syracuse to win a title. And just because equipment is better today and there’s more kids competing in the sport doesn’t necessarily mean that those teams from back in the early 1980s weren’t every bit as good as the best teams of today.
I’m not saying that the teams of the 80’s aren’t as good as the teams of today. I’m saying that the longer a program is in existance, the better the chance that they will repeat. West Genny is a perfect example. Coach Messere has a “lacrosse infrastructure” second to none. What I mean be lacrosse infrastructure is a youth program that is run by parents who played the game, and who’s grandparents played them game. By the time Coach Messere gets these kids, he doesn’t have to worry about teaching fundamentals. That is a huge advantage. Plus success attracts success. More kids play lacrosse because they win, and they win because more kids play lacrosse. I think we’re saying the same thing.
…and every once and a while, a young program without the advantages mentioned above defies all odds and ends up on top ;^)