Chaminade’s main mission for 2013 couldn’t be any clearer.
The Flyers are aiming to win a CHSAA AAA championship for the first time since 2008, when they beat St. Anthony’s 12-11 in overtime in the title game.
But the Friars have bounced back big time since then, beating ‘Nade in the title game four straight seasons.
If what just occurred during varsity football season is any indication, Chaminade could very well be ready to reverse its recent fortunes. The Flyers’ football team won the CHSAA crown for the first time since 1998, beating St. Anthony’s to do it.
One thing’s for sure. It promises to be another interesting spring in the fabled Chaminade vs. St. Anthony’s rivalry.
It’s one Sam Bonafede is eagerly awaiting.
The No. 4-ranked player on Inside Lacrosse’s Top 20 Young Gun Sophomore Watch List, Bonafede, now a junior, is a dodging midfielder with good quickness, speed and shiftiness and a high lacrosse IQ. He has committed to the admission process at Princeton.
Now, here are Sam’s perspectives on the upcoming season.
What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
Fortunately, Hofstra University has given us the opportunity to utilize its indoor turf field throughout the winter. We meet at the facility twice a week where we run clinic style sessions to freshen up our stick skills.
The rest of the school week is dedicated to speed, agility and strength programs that Chaminade provides for us.
How does your schedule look, what games are you looking forward to most, and who are some of your scrimmages against?
Once again, Chaminade plays a rock solid out-of-league schedule consisting of perennial power houses such as Manhasset, West Islip and Delbarton. We are set to battle our league rival St. Anthony’s a number of times.
Perhaps the most intriguing game on our schedule is against St. Ignatius of California at home.
Scrimmages are to be announced as the season comes closer.
What player or players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
In an offense that contains talented seniors such as Ryan Lukacovic and Tom Zenker, two juniors that will surprise people this season are Carney Mahon and Sean Cerrone. Both add quickness at the midfield along with heavy outside shots and great in between the lines play.
Along with Brian Dunne and Tim Muller, Jack Kerrigan and Tim Burke will help anchor a great defense.
What do you think the strength of your team will be this year?
Our team this year is very well-rounded with many offensive weapons and great defensemen. Our strength will be our speed at all ends of the field, as well as transition play.
How do you view the race in your league and who do you think some of the contending teams will be?
The CHSAA consists of teams such as St. John the Baptist, Kellenberg and Holy Trinity.
As usual, St. Anthony’s continues to be our archrival. We look to return the CHSAA title back to Mineola.
* LaxLessons.com story on Sam’s commitment to Princeton
* For more info on Sam, check out his player profile by clicking here
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Posted In: CHSAA lacrosse, Long Island lacrosse, Player's perspective
Have a great season Sam!!
Well done SB!
With the level of athleticism, speed, stick skills and experience they have, Nade has to be a favorite going in.
There’s gonna be no stopping NADE!