Centennial Conference 2024

[the_fish_whist1er]

Are there any hypotheticals where my Shoremen can find there way at the 5 seed? Also wanted to give a shoutout to the F&M Sports Communications department, easily the top broadcast in D3 right now. A non-bias, competent, and professional announcer with multi-angle cameras. They make the broadcast fun as you were able to write in to the Press Box to give shoutouts to players, alumni, etc.

[WashedUp06]

Are there any hypotheticals where my Shoremen can find there way at the 5 seed? Also wanted to give a shoutout to the F&M Sports Communications department, easily the top broadcast in D3 right now. A non-bias, competent, and professional announcer with multi-angle cameras. They make the broadcast fun as you were able to write in to the Press Box to give shoutouts to players, alumni, etc.

Yes, beat Ursinus, beat Gettysburg & the Shoremen slide into the 4th spot. They control their own destiny on that front. Unless Ursinus knocks off Dickinson

[MrLacrosse]

Power Rankings:

1. Swarthmore - Solidified themselves as top of the conference after a great streak of lacrosse. Still can see this team getting upset in the tournament. Let’s see if the Garnet can finally figure out how to win when it counts.

2. Dickinson - Honestly probably still my favorite to win the conference. A team that can play with anyone in the country when they put it all together.

3. Muhlenberg - Getting dangerous at the right time. Finally putting it together after a slow start to the season and a lot of contributors from past year lost.

4. Gettysburg - Young group with loads of talent. If they don’t figure it out this year (might be too late), they will be good going forward

T5. Ursinus - Program trending down but still dangerous in the conference especially if they can bring in some more talent.

T5. Haverford - Young, lots of talent. Need to learn how to win with this new found identity. Hopefully the new coach will have this team trending towards the top of the conference when he gets his recruits in.

6. Washington College - Was hoping for more out of the Sho’men this year. Good sometimes, terrible other times. Hot garbage

7. F&M - What even happened here? Super hot garbage

8. McDaniel - Same old story

[highbouncerswillgo]

Power Rankings:

1. Swarthmore - Solidified themselves as top of the conference after a great streak of lacrosse. Still can see this team getting upset in the tournament. Let’s see if the Garnet can finally figure out how to win when it counts.

2. Dickinson - Honestly probably still my favorite to win the conference. A team that can play with anyone in the country when they put it all together.

3. Muhlenberg - Getting dangerous at the right time. Finally putting it together after a slow start to the season and a lot of contributors from past year lost.

4. Gettysburg - Young group with loads of talent. If they don’t figure it out this year (might be too late), they will be good going forward

T5. Ursinus - Program trending down but still dangerous in the conference especially if they can bring in some more talent.

T5. Haverford - Young, lots of talent. Need to learn how to win with this new found identity. Hopefully the new coach will have this team trending towards the top of the conference when he gets his recruits in.

6. Washington College - Was hoping for more out of the Sho’men this year. Good sometimes, terrible other times. Hot garbage

7. F&M - What even happened here? Super hot garbage

8. McDaniel - Same old story

As someone who's never really paid attention to Swarthmore before, is this the best they have ever been? What has been the driving factor to them seemingly breaking the top 10 out of no where? Is it coaching? A good senior class? It doesn't seem like they have one player dominating from what I've seen.

Just curious if this is a one year deal for them or if the Centennial has a new leader for years to come.

[ChopMan23]

Power Rankings:

1. Swarthmore - Solidified themselves as top of the conference after a great streak of lacrosse. Still can see this team getting upset in the tournament. Let’s see if the Garnet can finally figure out how to win when it counts.

2. Dickinson - Honestly probably still my favorite to win the conference. A team that can play with anyone in the country when they put it all together.

3. Muhlenberg - Getting dangerous at the right time. Finally putting it together after a slow start to the season and a lot of contributors from past year lost.

4. Gettysburg - Young group with loads of talent. If they don’t figure it out this year (might be too late), they will be good going forward

T5. Ursinus - Program trending down but still dangerous in the conference especially if they can bring in some more talent.

T5. Haverford - Young, lots of talent. Need to learn how to win with this new found identity. Hopefully the new coach will have this team trending towards the top of the conference when he gets his recruits in.

6. Washington College - Was hoping for more out of the Sho’men this year. Good sometimes, terrible other times. Hot garbage

7. F&M - What even happened here? Super hot garbage

8. McDaniel - Same old story

As someone who's never really paid attention to Swarthmore before, is this the best they have ever been? What has been the driving factor to them seemingly breaking the top 10 out of no where? Is it coaching? A good senior class? It doesn't seem like they have one player dominating from what I've seen.

Just curious if this is a one year deal for them or if the Centennial has a new leader for years to come.

They have always been a decent team, one of those programs that was not beating blue bloods, but certainly was able to ruin some seasons in conference play and sneak into the playoffs. What seems different in the last few years is recruiting, and I am sure the growth of the sport is helping. Noticed a lot of west coast talent, and ISL talent coming down to Philly. Top tier academics and great campus location being just outside of Philly. It was bound to happen, I am pretty sure they are successful in other sports and lax finally hit its stride. If they continue that ISL pipeline they will only grow more.

[SixBySix]

They have been on a significant upward trajectory since 2016 that was obscured by losing two seasons to COVID that were primed for breakout. Gress has always put out disciplined squads that compete above their talent level, but they've now had a little more success to sell and started to win the occasional recruiting battle with the NESCACs.

A very strong senior class will be hard to replace, but they have had a lot of underclassmen forcing their way onto the field, so the overall roster talent is definitely in great shape.

[hooray]

They simply have some DAWGZ out there and has been that way for a while, but missing 2 seasons b/c of COVID threw a huge wrench in things. Several years of strong leadership from coaches and seniors are coming to fruition. Not 100% sure but I heard through the grapevine they had a Delco kid nick named gator because of his playing style and that just says it all

[WashedUp06]

They simply have some DAWGZ out there and has been that way for a while, but missing 2 seasons b/c of COVID threw a huge wrench in things. Several years of strong leadership from coaches and seniors are coming to fruition. Not 100% sure but I heard through the grapevine they had a Delco kid nick named gator because of his playing style and that just says it all

"gator don't play no sh*t"

[MrLacrosse]

If Haverford follows the same path as Swarthmore and puts a little more emphasis on athletics, they will find themselves in the same position. Great campus outside of a big city with great academics. They could definitely be a force in the centennial if they wanted to be.

[GoTerriers8]

As someone who's never really paid attention to Swarthmore before, is this the best they have ever been? What has been the driving factor to them seemingly breaking the top 10 out of no where? Is it coaching? A good senior class? It doesn't seem like they have one player dominating from what I've seen.

Until 2016, Hogwarts couldn't recruit. They needed players to get into the school, and want to play lacrosse. They can now recruit to a top-tier institution, so talent will follow.

[SlackBaller]

As someone who's never really paid attention to Swarthmore before, is this the best they have ever been? What has been the driving factor to them seemingly breaking the top 10 out of no where? Is it coaching? A good senior class? It doesn't seem like they have one player dominating from what I've seen.

Until 2016, Hogwarts couldn't recruit. They needed players to get into the school, and want to play lacrosse. They can now recruit to a top-tier institution, so talent will follow.

Best in decades from my observations. The coaching team, particularly Wasen attend many of the premier events from what I gather. Having recruiting helps as does SAT optional. The sophomore class is stacked on offense. The freshman class has some real players too. A few fun years ahead potentially.

[SixBySix]

Until 2016, Hogwarts couldn't recruit. They needed players to get into the school, and want to play lacrosse. They can now recruit to a top-tier institution, so talent will follow.

Well that's just not true.

[ToeDipper78]

Where's the chatter Centennial?!
Top 4 slots are locked in no matter what happens final week right?
1.Swat 2.Dickinson 3.Mules 4.Getty
So all eyes turn to ... WAC-Ursinus-Haverford in a 3-way tie for the play-in game. All gunning for a big upset to grab that final slot. WAC scene on Saturday night must have been fun.
And if F&M was putting up the good fight despite the epic loss streak, Muhlenberg put an end to that.

[AbeFroeman]

Where's the chatter Centennial?!
Top 4 slots are locked in no matter what happens final week right?
1.Swat 2.Dickinson 3.Mules 4.Getty
So all eyes turn to ... WAC-Ursinus-Haverford in a 3-way tie for the play-in game. All gunning for a big upset to grab that final slot. WAC scene on Saturday night must have been fun.
And if F&M was putting up the good fight despite the epic loss streak, Muhlenberg put an end to that.

not sure if gettysburg is a lock yet. seem to be having some struggles lately. they need to redeem one of the losses to get in.

[G.F.Handel_19]

Mamma Mia, the bottom half of this CC playoff race is heating up faster than a junkie’s spoon! Now that the top 3 seeds are locked in, we got 4 teams vying for the Flint Michigan Megabowl to see who gets 4th and 5th place. As a reminder, since we have the potential for 4 teams with the same conference record, the tiebreaker formulas are as follows:

1. Head-to-Head Centennial Conference play among tied teams;
2. Record versus teams in descending order of standing;
3. Goal-differential in games among tied teams; if tie(s) still exist(s), then fewest goals allowed in games against teams in descending order of standing;

I believe these are the potential outcomes based on the Haverford, Ursinus, WAC, and Gettysburg’s results in the last game of the year (dear lord someone please check my math on this, I did attend Harrison University):

Ursinus Wins, Haverford Wins, WAC Loses, Gettysburg Wins: Gettysburg is 5-3 in conference; Haverford and Ursinus are 4-4 in conference; Ursinus owns the head-to-head against Haverford. Gettysburg takes 4th, Ursinus takes 5th
Ursinus Wins, Haverford Loses, WAC Loses, Gettysburg Wins: Gettysburg is 5-3 in conference; Ursinus is 4-4 in conference. Gettysburg takes 4th, Ursinus takes 5th
Ursinus Loses, Haverford Wins, WAC Loses, Gettysburg Wins: Gettysburg is 5-3 in conference; Haverford is 4-4 in conference. Gettysburg takes 4th, Haverford takes 5th
Ursinus Loses, Haverford Loses, WAC Wins, Gettysburg Loses: WAC and Gettysburg are 4-4 in conference; WAC owns the head-to-head against Gettysburg. WAC takes 4th, Gettysburg takes 5th

(Now hold onto your butts folks, because this is where things get spicier than a velvet painting of a whale and a dolphin getting it on)

Ursinus Wins, Haverford Loses, WAC Wins, Gettysburg Loses: Ursinus, WAC, and Gettysburg are 4-4 in conference; WAC is 2-0 vs the other two, Gettysburg is 1-1, and Ursinus is 0-2. WAC takes 4th, Gettysburg takes 5th
Ursinus Loses, Haverford Wins, WAC Wins, Gettysburg Loses: Haverford, Gettysburg, and WAC are 4-4 in conference; all teams are 1-1 against the other two teams; all teams are winless against the top 4 teams, Gettysburg and WAC both beat Ursinus, but Haverford did not; WAC owns the head-to-head against Gettysburg. WAC take 4th, Gettysburg takes 5th
Ursinus Loses, Haverford Loses, WAC Loses, Gettysburg wins: Gettysburg is 4-4; WAC, Haverford, and Ursinus are 3-5 in conference (and the battle for 5th starts to looks like a 2020 NFC East title race); all teams are 1-1 against the other two teams; all teams are winless against the top 4 teams, all teams are undefeated against F&M and Western Maryland; in terms of goal differential against the tied teams, Ursinus is +0, Haverford is +8, and WAC is -8. Gettysburg take 4th, Haverford takes 5th
Ursinus Wins, Haverford Wins, WAC Wins, Gettysburg Loses (i.e. a scenario less likely than someone hitting the Iron Lotus): All teams are 4-4 in conference; Ursinus is 1-2 against the other 3 teams, Haverford is 1-2, WAC is 2-1, Gettysburg is 2-1; WAC owns the head-to-head against Gettysburg. WAC takes 4th, Gettysburg takes 5th

*catches breath and pants loudly* ……. and I’m spent!

[WashedUp06]

Mamma Mia, the bottom half of this CC playoff race is heating up faster than a junkie’s spoon! Now that the top 3 seeds are locked in, we got 4 teams vying for the Flint Michigan Megabowl to see who gets 4th and 5th place. As a reminder, since we have the potential for 4 teams with the same conference record, the tiebreaker formulas are as follows:

1. Head-to-Head Centennial Conference play among tied teams;
2. Record versus teams in descending order of standing;
3. Goal-differential in games among tied teams; if tie(s) still exist(s), then fewest goals allowed in games against teams in descending order of standing;

I believe these are the potential outcomes based on the Haverford, Ursinus, WAC, and Gettysburg’s results in the last game of the year (dear lord someone please check my math on this, I did attend Harrison University):

Ursinus Wins, Haverford Wins, WAC Loses, Gettysburg Wins: Gettysburg is 5-3 in conference; Haverford and Ursinus are 4-4 in conference; Ursinus owns the head-to-head against Haverford. Gettysburg takes 4th, Ursinus takes 5th
Ursinus Wins, Haverford Loses, WAC Loses, Gettysburg Wins: Gettysburg is 5-3 in conference; Ursinus is 4-4 in conference. Gettysburg takes 4th, Ursinus takes 5th
Ursinus Loses, Haverford Wins, WAC Loses, Gettysburg Wins: Gettysburg is 5-3 in conference; Haverford is 4-4 in conference. Gettysburg takes 4th, Haverford takes 5th
Ursinus Loses, Haverford Loses, WAC Wins, Gettysburg Loses: WAC and Gettysburg are 4-4 in conference; WAC owns the head-to-head against Gettysburg. WAC takes 4th, Gettysburg takes 5th

(Now hold onto your butts folks, because this is where things get spicier than a velvet painting of a whale and a dolphin getting it on)

Ursinus Wins, Haverford Loses, WAC Wins, Gettysburg Loses: Ursinus, WAC, and Gettysburg are 4-4 in conference; WAC is 2-0 vs the other two, Gettysburg is 1-1, and Ursinus is 0-2. WAC takes 4th, Gettysburg takes 5th
Ursinus Loses, Haverford Wins, WAC Wins, Gettysburg Loses: Haverford, Gettysburg, and WAC are 4-4 in conference; all teams are 1-1 against the other two teams; all teams are winless against the top 4 teams, Gettysburg and WAC both beat Ursinus, but Haverford did not; WAC owns the head-to-head against Gettysburg. WAC take 4th, Gettysburg takes 5th
Ursinus Loses, Haverford Loses, WAC Loses, Gettysburg wins: Gettysburg is 4-4; WAC, Haverford, and Ursinus are 3-5 in conference (and the battle for 5th starts to looks like a 2020 NFC East title race); all teams are 1-1 against the other two teams; all teams are winless against the top 4 teams, all teams are undefeated against F&M and Western Maryland; in terms of goal differential against the tied teams, Ursinus is +0, Haverford is +8, and WAC is -8. Gettysburg take 4th, Haverford takes 5th
Ursinus Wins, Haverford Wins, WAC Wins, Gettysburg Loses (i.e. a scenario less likely than someone hitting the Iron Lotus): All teams are 4-4 in conference; Ursinus is 1-2 against the other 3 teams, Haverford is 1-2, WAC is 2-1, Gettysburg is 2-1; WAC owns the head-to-head against Gettysburg. WAC takes 4th, Gettysburg takes 5th

*catches breath and pants loudly* ……. and I’m spent!

This is like 30 minute NFL Sunday AM segment...thank you for your service.

Going to be an exciting week of lacrosse, then the playoffs & based on how things are going...any team that makes it in has a chance to pull a few upsets. right now, the Mules are smoking hot & the semi final vs the Devils is framing up to look like a great one.

I am not convinced SWAT walks away w/the title this year, but that being said it is very difficult to bet against them as they just keep finding ways to win over & over again

[ToeDipper78]

Mamma Mia, the bottom half of this CC playoff race is heating up faster than a junkie’s spoon! Now that the top 3 seeds are locked in, we got 4 teams vying for the Flint Michigan Megabowl to see who gets 4th and 5th place. As a reminder, since we have the potential for 4 teams with the same conference record, the tiebreaker formulas are as follows:

1. Head-to-Head Centennial Conference play among tied teams;
2. Record versus teams in descending order of standing;
3. Goal-differential in games among tied teams; if tie(s) still exist(s), then fewest goals allowed in games against teams in descending order of standing;

I believe these are the potential outcomes based on the Haverford, Ursinus, WAC, and Gettysburg’s results in the last game of the year (dear lord someone please check my math on this, I did attend Harrison University):

Ursinus Wins, Haverford Wins, WAC Loses, Gettysburg Wins: Gettysburg is 5-3 in conference; Haverford and Ursinus are 4-4 in conference; Ursinus owns the head-to-head against Haverford. Gettysburg takes 4th, Ursinus takes 5th
Ursinus Wins, Haverford Loses, WAC Loses, Gettysburg Wins: Gettysburg is 5-3 in conference; Ursinus is 4-4 in conference. Gettysburg takes 4th, Ursinus takes 5th
...

Stand up and take a bow, GF Handel
Everyone in the stands will be checking scores like crazy on Sat.
Conf tourney, roll the dice.

[MrLacrosse]

Sounds like it will be Haverford and Gburg in the play-in game assuming Ursinus and WAC lose. Dickinson should overpower the bears and Gettysburg will most likely handle a lackluster WAC team. Expect Fords / Garnet to be the game of the week. Something like 7 of the past 10 have been one goal games. Wouldn’t be surprised to see an upset. Everything goes out the window in a rivalry game like that…

[ChopMan23]

The statistical significance of the Transitive Property of D3 Lacrosse Box Scores (TPD3LBS) has long been debated by the sport’s top analytical minds. Primarily, it's methodology is implemented when ranking and evaluating teams based off prior results. X team beat Y, and Y beat Z, thus X>Z, is the general framework of said theory (Deep Pocket et. al., 2024). TPD3LBS unfolds perfectly until Trinity beats Wesleyan on a Wednesday night, or York loses to Grove City. This theory allows you to selectively choose common opponents, and the next thing you know, you're picking Roanake over Middlebury.

It is important to consider who's paying in these games at the end of day, and what factors may drive the results we observe in the box score. Did the yellow school bus from 1994 break down on the way to the game? Was the dinning hall serving bean and cheese quesadillas for lunch? Does their star attackman have a problem set due tomorrow? Who had to sit out of practice on Monday for a drunken mistake made on Saturday night? All these factors must be considered when releasing our weekly picks. The TPD3LBS can be used anecdotally to validate the way you feel about your team, but I urge you all to consider the sporadic nature of D3 lacrosse games when making picks.

The back half of conference play starts now, and the race for May is in full effect. A few teams have risen to the top, solidifying their chances at CC title contention. Lucky for us, two of these teams face off on Saturday. Then there's the bubble: Mules, Bears, Fords. I was lucky enough to get boots on the ground for Ursinus/Muhlenberg, and it was a classic midweek slugfest. Low-hanging chirps from the sidelines, 13 failed clears, and shockingly good goalie play. It's clear to me that all three of the bubble teams are neck and neck, I expect each of them to go 1-1 against the opposing two. The bottom third of the conference features two regulars and an unlikely addition to the party. Saw an Adam Shefter report that the lack of senior leadership, and "tough love" in the F&M locker room has led to their demise. I doubt they will be down for long, but I can promise you all those guys are thinking about at this point in the season is Memorial Day down the shore .

Enough jabber, lets get into this week's picks. As always, gamble responsibly.

Franklin & Marshall @ Ursinus (-2.5)
Who would have foreseen this spread 2 months ago? This game will tell us if there's any belief left in that renovated F&M football locker room, although they'll be getting dressed in a supply closet next to Patterson Field. Ursinus needs this bad, and they showed up with their backs against the wall last week. F&M will pick off one of these playoff hopefuls before their nightmare season is over, but will it be Ursinus? Cavallaro can't decide who he wants to keep on the field, shuffling between guys every week, which doesn't bode well against an Ursinus team finding consistency. Singer is stopping the ball at 55%, and I expect another great game out of him this weekend. At the end of the day, we've got a team playing for pride versus a team playing for a playoff birth. A broken clock is right twice a day, and I think F&M gets something to click tomorrow. Dips 14-12.

Haverford (-7.5) @ McDaniel
The Fords were afforded a restful Wednesday, while the rest of the conference went at each other's necks. All except for McDaniel, who visited the paper shredder known as Carlisle, PA. The past two years the Green Terror have made these games relatively respectful, but they remain extremely unorganized on defense. I find myself yelling at my monitor watching WMC, begging somebody to talk on defense. Indecisive sliding and poor communication around the two-man game has filled up the stat sheet for their conference opponents thus far. I expect more of the same this weekend, as Haverford has a sour taste in their mouth after last week's loss. Haverford's new coach is full of energy, and I'm sure he got after his guys with a full week of practice. This game should be close before the McDanks defense gives in. If you're picking the Terror in this one you need to turn on the film. Fords 17-8.

Dickinson (-0.5) @ Swarthmore
In what many have touted as the game of the week, we have a team peaking at the right time, and an established juggernaut. The vocal Swarthmore faithful (you know who you are) expect this to be the big moment. The changing of the guard. Frankly, I could see it. Dickinson has been the one hurdle that Swat hasn't gotten over yet, and this year's Dickinson has not been on par in terms of dominance with the 22 and 23 Red Devils. The spread isn't doing you any service here, so I recommend just picking with your gut. On the one hand, this game is being played at Swarthmore. On the other, the Garnet are coming an emotional high and Dickinson is the epitome of consistency. We all thought this would be a close game last year but the Red Devils asserted their dominance from the jump. My brain is telling me this will be a close game, but my gut is telling me Dickinson's midfielders will blow this thing open. Swat should have an advantage at the X, but Dickinson's two-man unit can hang with anybody. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Garnet pick up this massive win, but they might have wait until the playoffs to figure out Webster's squad. Red Devils 14-11.

Muhlenberg @ Gettysburg (-4.5)
The Mules have rattled off a couple of impressive showings, and could use this win to bolster their playoff portfolio. They sit comfortably on the good side of the bubble, and their coaching staff has done a lot with the young team. The Bullets let history repeat itself, but I still think they'll be dangerous in May. They just need somebody else to knock out Swarthmore. Charlie Johnson has provided a spark when needed, rolling back to his left handed hammer with regularity. This line is looking tasty, as the Mules defense offers some value at +4.5. My question is: can the Mules execute high level offensive concepts against a formidable defense? A lot of ME ball being played in Allentown, with simple alley dodges that will not provide quality shots on Saturday. I would love to pick the Mules here, but their offensive gameplan won't translate this week. Bullets 12-8.

WAC @ Salisbury (-11.5) Royal Farms® Game of the Week
The fabled War on the Shore. It would be simply disrespectful to not name this matchup the game of the week. If your D3 lacrosse rivalry has a Wikipedia page, you get the nod. The last time this game was close was 2019, and a lot has changed in Chestertown since then. I've heard rumblings of Nostrant out, and it seems that the lore of the Sho'Men has faded in the eyes of 17 year-olds making their college decisions. Regardless the music will be bumping in both these locker rooms, the eyeblack will be on for the 4th string goalies, and the WAC dads will be slugging Keystone Light on the sidelines. WAC teams of late are used to facing an insurmountable Salisbury team, and will give every ounce of effort until the 2nd quarter when Salisbury is up 12. Gulls 22-6.

Can we get some final weekend predictions going Mr Ash - one hell of a weekend coming up for the CC.

[JJBoys]

Mcdaniel at F&M this is going to be the best game of the weekend the Green Terror end the season with a win over the DIPS.. 5-4

Gettysburg at WAC Gettysburg is going to walk over the shoreman with a comfortable 15-7 win.

Ursinus at Dickinson the Devils control the X which will give too many opportunities and the Bears fall 13-8.

Haverford at Swarthmore This will be a battle early with a very scrappy Haverford team but Swats offense takes over in the fourth and pulls away with a 14-9 win.