Connecticut 2019

[SmittyLax6]

Somebody get the previous Moderator on the horn. He was the one who sat on the coach's committee and had that kind of insight.

[Nothing But Net]

19 for '19 - An attempt at a list of CT HS Class of 2019 Offensive Players to Watch

With no slight to any of the players intended, it's strange how few of these players are going to D1 perennial power schools.

Even before talking about the talent level in CT 2019 class, 2019 was a weird recruiting class in general since it straddled the "new" recruiting rule change. Across the country, there were a ton of high level d1 commits during frosh and soph years, then a pause until sept of Jr year when the new rules went into place. About the only early "top 10" program commit in CT HS (excluding prep schools) was Drake, with other very good D1 (but not top 10) early activity for a few schools like Villanova, AF. UVM, etc. One of the interesting things about the Ivies were that they REALLY focused on the prep school kids in their early commits, probably driven by their comfort of being able to get a kid though their admissions if he is coming from [fill in blank with Bwick, Taft, Westmin, etc] vs a public, even though they only had a semester or two of HS grades when they made the commit.

Duck, I have to say I was extremely impressed with the work put into your post, I found myself almost going to every video after reading your assement of the player. Couple of add-ons comments, having 1 kid that played at a D1 College and now has a job (Thank God) and one that plays currently in the NESCAC, your really splitting hairs on ability after you get past maybe the Top10 D1 schools with the Talent discussion in my humble opinion, example a poster above mentioned Darien. I can tell you watching first hand a kid like Colin Minicus (Amherst), he could easily play D1, and maybe at top 10 schools. The recruiting process at all levels is crazy, for both the kid and the parents. (its a full time Job) What I found regarding the Ives (as well as the NESCAC) are that many of these kids have to attend prep-school becuse they lack the academics. It also a plus for the coaches since many of these kids get an extra year to mature ( which is a 50/50 proposition) . There is an advantage coming into college as a 19 or 20 year old. And yes, none of these schools like to give money out..., especially to LaxBros; most of these prep school kids show up in their Rover without the need for financial asistence . However, I still B@tch and Complain about the $70K+ a year price tag,..and then crazy thing is that you still have to shell out money for the fund raisers. It like being in the CONNY all over again

[DuckLax]

Duck, I have to say I was extremely impressed with the work put into your post, I found myself almost going to every video after reading your assement of the player. Couple of add-ons comments, having 1 kid that played at a D1 College and now has a job (Thank God) and one that plays currently in the NESCAC, your really splitting hairs on ability after you get past maybe the Top10 D1 schools with the Talent discussion in my humble opinion, example a poster above mentioned Darien. I can tell you watching first hand a kid like Colin Minicus (Amherst), he could easily play D1, and maybe at top 10 schools. The recruiting process at all levels is crazy, for both the kid and the parents. (its a full time Job) What I found regarding the Ives (as well as the NESCAC) are that many of these kids have to attend prep-school becuse they lack the academics. It also a plus for the coaches since many of these kids get an extra year to mature ( which is a 50/50 proposition) . There is an advantage coming into college as a 19 or 20 year old. And yes, none of these schools like to give money out..., especially to LaxBros; most of these prep school kids show up in their Rover without the need for financial asistence . However, I still B@tch and Complain about the $70K+ a year price tag,..and then crazy thing is that you still have to shell out money for the fund raisers. It like being in the CONNY all over again

thanks NBN....pulling together all those videos was a nice way to get my lax fix over the winter. While the Admins comment about "not a lot of D1 perennial power kids" was true, there still are bunch of pretty legit players on those reels going to good d3 programs, who probably could have contributed at a top 20 D1. And i agree with your take on top D3 vs non-top 10 D1. In my view most cases not only are the D3 academics often better (with the exception of the ivies), but there is often not that much difference in level of play on the field either for the top rung of d3 (Wes, Tufts, Amherst, RIT, Salisbury, etc) vs any of the non-tournament D1s.

[JBFortunato]

[pcowlax]

Great stuff JBF, nice overview. I am very disappointed that New Fairfield is not playing a more challenging schedule this year. I know many games are made years in advance but Marty had to know that he was going to be loaded this year for quite some time. It is also true that it can be easier said than done getting national powerhouses to agree to schedule a team like NF but I would have loved to see them play a Yorktown or strong LI team if they couldn't match with one of the FCIAC big boys.

[DuckLax]

Great stuff JBF, nice overview. I am very disappointed that New Fairfield is not playing a more challenging schedule this year. I know many games are made years in advance but Marty had to know that he was going to be loaded this year for quite some time. It is also true that it can be easier said than done getting national powerhouses to agree to schedule a team like NF but I would have loved to see them play a Yorktown or strong LI team if they couldn't match with one of the FCIAC big boys.

I think i did see that NF is playing Lincoln-Sudbury this season, a perennial Mass powerhouse, so they did increment up with that game. Even if Darien/NC/Prep (who each play a pretty challenging out of state schedule) couldnt fit in a game with NF, you would think Wilton/Ridgefield/Staples/Gwich/Gbury would dont travel as aggressively would like the challenge. And my bet is NF would compete VERY well against those programs (this year anyway.

Unfortunately, i think NF probably takes a pretty significant step down after this season, so if games arent already scheduled for this year, then its probably a moot point

[DuckLax]

While I couldn't come up with 19 defensive units to watch in 2019, I think I can do a fair to middling job on what I feel are the four most impressive defensive units in CIAC lacrosse heading into the 2019 season. I won't claim to have seen every team, or be aware of every underclassman who could make a difference this season on defense, however - so feel free to chime in with your own D groups to watch.
1) Wilton- If defense wins championships, expect Wilton to win the FCIAC and a state 'ship in 2019. What an impressive unit. All-American goalie Andrew Calabrese, a Navy commit, is an athletic and experienced stopper, one of a trio of four year starters on defense for the Warriors. Pole Ryan Schriber (Michigan) has seen his stock rise nationally, and is regarded now as one of the top poles in the country. Opposite Schriber is Tyler Previte (Air Force), an absolute bulldog of a defender with a mean streak. Seniors Drew Herlyn and Jake Stein fill out the unit. Losing All-American LSM Joe Scarfi to graduation will hurt, but this experienced group, forged in the fire of the FCIAC over many seasons, will have a special year nonetheless.
Tyler Previte: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shuCCu08kLM
Ryan Schriber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id0RsraFQso
2) New Fairfield - The Rebs ran the table in 2018, going undefeated in route to winning SWC and Class M state championships, and they bring back 19 seniors - and all but one starter - for 2019: they have to be considered a prohibitive favorite to repeat as conference and state champs. The defensive unit is the soul of the New Fairfield success story, boasting two All-American poles in Nick Alviti (Vermont) and James Leary (Robert Morris), and All-State defender Zach Buffington. Goalie Brennan Hart is a formidable stopper who gets the ball out in a hurry. While the New Fairfield poles can certainly play lockdown defense, the really unique aspect of the Rebels D group is the ability of the poles to spark transition and consistently contribute in a significant way on the offensive end of the field. You can't ignore those poles when they come across the middle of the field, if you do so any of them can and will score. A deja-vu date with Daniel Hand on June 8th for another Class M championship looks like a foregone conclusion.
Zach Buffington: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5359082/5b ... 0550a0a39d
Nick Alviti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AQVe7K0TLw
Brennan Hart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F24w6k9Jgj0
3) Staples - With star goalie Matt Garber off to Boston University, and head coach Paul McNulty stepping down, the Wreckers program is in transition. However, a rock solid defensive unit should help make that transition a smooth one. A trio of senior poles returns for the 2019 campaign, and they form one of the most imposing units in the state. Blake Runkle (Albany) is a towering, physical presence who is great off the ground, and Donny Macaluso (Fairfield University) can play up top or down low, or even take a faceoff: both of these guys can get out in transition and make things happen on the offensive end. Jack Dorsey (Hamilton) is the other senior in the group, a great team defender with a high lacrosse IQ. At goalie, it looks like Junior Ben Howard will take over for Garber. Howard plays club for Express North, and is a big, agile stopper with great hands and quick feet up the field.
Blake Runkle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABG9v8KA5PY
Don Macaluso: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D2iO7MbHqc&t=158s
Ben Howard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr1mZg3Amfs
Jack Dorsey: sportsrecruits.com/athlete/jack_dorsey/?video=133055
4) Daniel Hand - Anchored by arguably the best goalie in Connecticut, Quinnipiac commit Griffin Fitzmaurice, Hand loses one starter from its Class M runner-up backline. Returning two seniors - one of the biggest hitters in the state, lockdown defender Ryan Flynn (Skidmore), and dynamic LSM Ryley Brohel (Florida Southern) - as well as junior Ben Corniello, an imposing force down low, Hand also gets back senior LSM Ian Rice, and junior Jack Hughes. Hand, too, boasts an excellent defensive midfield unit led by Liam Regan, Tom Ferrick and Connor Bergere. If Hand can finally breakthrough and win that elusive state championship, it will be on the back of their formidable defense, and the attack tandem of Jack Flanagan and Tommy Swank, the most prolific goal scorer in CIAC lacrosse last season.
Ryan Flynn: http://www.hudl.com/v/2A0xbf
Griffin Fitzmaurice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdJNaVoC8rM
Ryley Brohel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po5AVB7EcRg&t=110s
Tom Ferrick: http://www.hudl.com/v/2A381c
Team: https://vimeo.com/274395908

great summary JB!!

New Canaan should be solid on D as well with poles George Dumbauld (Drexel), Walker Kerr (BU), and Jack Braden, goalie Carl Mazabras (OWU) who improved measurably last year after being abruptly tossed into the fire last season, and two legit FOGOs in Tim Norton (UVM) and Jr. Justin Weitfeldt (UMich) which will take a lot of pressure OFF the D by likely having a high win % at the X.

As usual, the Wave lost a lot of D to graduation (Darby to UMich, Gould to PC, Olsen to Trinity, ), plus keeper Collins to 'Gate. But I'm sure they will reload as they always seem to do......the question is do they have a true shutdown guy to step up this year as they have previously with Cohen, Evanchick, Darby, etc

[ABClaxfan]

While I couldn't come up with 19 defensive units to watch in 2019, I think I can do a fair to middling job on what I feel are the four most impressive defensive units in CIAC lacrosse heading into the 2019 season. I won't claim to have seen every team, or be aware of every underclassman who could make a difference this season on defense, however - so feel free to chime in with your own D groups to watch.
1) Wilton- If defense wins championships, expect Wilton to win the FCIAC and a state 'ship in 2019. What an impressive unit. All-American goalie Andrew Calabrese, a Navy commit, is an athletic and experienced stopper, one of a trio of four year starters on defense for the Warriors. Pole Ryan Schriber (Michigan) has seen his stock rise nationally, and is regarded now as one of the top poles in the country. Opposite Schriber is Tyler Previte (Air Force), an absolute bulldog of a defender with a mean streak. Seniors Drew Herlyn and Jake Stein fill out the unit. Losing All-American LSM Joe Scarfi to graduation will hurt, but this experienced group, forged in the fire of the FCIAC over many seasons, will have a special year nonetheless.
Tyler Previte: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shuCCu08kLM
Ryan Schriber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id0RsraFQso
2) New Fairfield - The Rebs ran the table in 2018, going undefeated in route to winning SWC and Class M state championships, and they bring back 19 seniors - and all but one starter - for 2019: they have to be considered a prohibitive favorite to repeat as conference and state champs. The defensive unit is the soul of the New Fairfield success story, boasting two All-American poles in Nick Alviti (Vermont) and James Leary (Robert Morris), and All-State defender Zach Buffington. Goalie Brennan Hart is a formidable stopper who gets the ball out in a hurry. While the New Fairfield poles can certainly play lockdown defense, the really unique aspect of the Rebels D group is the ability of the poles to spark transition and consistently contribute in a significant way on the offensive end of the field. You can't ignore those poles when they come across the middle of the field, if you do so any of them can and will score. A deja-vu date with Daniel Hand on June 8th for another Class M championship looks like a foregone conclusion.
Zach Buffington: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5359082/5b ... 0550a0a39d
Nick Alviti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AQVe7K0TLw
Brennan Hart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F24w6k9Jgj0
3) Staples - With star goalie Matt Garber off to Boston University, and head coach Paul McNulty stepping down, the Wreckers program is in transition. However, a rock solid defensive unit should help make that transition a smooth one. A trio of senior poles returns for the 2019 campaign, and they form one of the most imposing units in the state. Blake Runkle (Albany) is a towering, physical presence who is great off the ground, and Donny Macaluso (Fairfield University) can play up top or down low, or even take a faceoff: both of these guys can get out in transition and make things happen on the offensive end. Jack Dorsey (Hamilton) is the other senior in the group, a great team defender with a high lacrosse IQ. At goalie, it looks like Junior Ben Howard will take over for Garber. Howard plays club for Express North, and is a big, agile stopper with great hands and quick feet up the field.
Blake Runkle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABG9v8KA5PY
Don Macaluso: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D2iO7MbHqc&t=158s
Ben Howard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr1mZg3Amfs
Jack Dorsey: sportsrecruits.com/athlete/jack_dorsey/?video=133055
4) Daniel Hand - Anchored by arguably the best goalie in Connecticut, Quinnipiac commit Griffin Fitzmaurice, Hand loses one starter from its Class M runner-up backline. Returning two seniors - one of the biggest hitters in the state, lockdown defender Ryan Flynn (Skidmore), and dynamic LSM Ryley Brohel (Florida Southern) - as well as junior Ben Corniello, an imposing force down low, Hand also gets back senior LSM Ian Rice, and junior Jack Hughes. Hand, too, boasts an excellent defensive midfield unit led by Liam Regan, Tom Ferrick and Connor Bergere. If Hand can finally breakthrough and win that elusive state championship, it will be on the back of their formidable defense, and the attack tandem of Jack Flanagan and Tommy Swank, the most prolific goal scorer in CIAC lacrosse last season.
Ryan Flynn: http://www.hudl.com/v/2A0xbf
Griffin Fitzmaurice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdJNaVoC8rM
Ryley Brohel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po5AVB7EcRg&t=110s
Tom Ferrick: http://www.hudl.com/v/2A381c
Team: https://vimeo.com/274395908

great summary JB!!

New Canaan should be solid on D as well with poles George Dumbauld (Drexel), Walker Kerr (BU), and Jack Braden, goalie Carl Mazabras (OWU) who improved measurably last year after being abruptly tossed into the fire last season, and two legit FOGOs in Tim Norton (UVM) and Jr. Justin Weitfeldt (UMich) which will take a lot of pressure OFF the D by likely having a high win % at the X.

As usual, the Wave lost a lot of D to graduation (Darby to UMich, Gould to PC, Olsen to Trinity, ), plus keeper Collins to 'Gate. But I'm sure they will reload as they always seem to do......the question is do they have a true shutdown guy to step up this year as they have previously with Cohen, Evanchick, Darby, etc

I’m interested to see who replaces Minicus and McGovern at attack for the Blue Wave. Those two were legit studs last year. I know the youngest Mathias is at Darien, I’m not sure how legit he is and if he will see meaningful time this year. Darien is a team I’m excited to watch this season.

[Laxalittle]

Great stuff JBF, nice overview. I am very disappointed that New Fairfield is not playing a more challenging schedule this year. I know many games are made years in advance but Marty had to know that he was going to be loaded this year for quite some time. It is also true that it can be easier said than done getting national powerhouses to agree to schedule a team like NF but I would have loved to see them play a Yorktown or strong LI team if they couldn't match with one of the FCIAC big boys.

Pcowlax, not sure if you checked out the CASCIAC site but New Fairfield has put together the best schedule possible with regards to travel limitations and conference requirements. Their first two weeks are daunting. They open with a jamboree at New Fairfield on March 23rd featuring Ridgefield, Wilton, John Jay Cross River NY, St. Joseph’s CT and Bergen Catholic NJ. They have a scrimmage the following Wednesday vs Trinity Pawling. They open up away at Lincoln Sudbury MA on March 30th, St Anthony’s LI at Sacred Heart University on April 4th and Stepinac at home on April 6th. The rest of their out of conference schedule includes Briarcliff on April 13th, Glastonbury on May 11th and Staples on May 14th. Unfortunately they lost two top flight NY teams due to a travel issue and a conference issue, neither were with New Fairfield. The biggest issue with New Fairfield lacrosse is that they have years of “haves” and “have nots”. With coaching being a constant, players are a questionable commodity. Unfortunately, some years have a very limited talent pool which prevents Marty from consistently being able to schedule top flight teams year in and year out. This year the talent is there. Next year, the challenge will be to replace 18 graduating seniors. Best of luck to all on the upcoming season.

[pcowlax]

I'm not going to count a scrimmage and obviously not going to count a jamboree. It's nice that they are playing in those but those are not games. I understand their challenge scheduling games and that they are more subject to the whims of given classes than other schools, that is why I said they should have been able to see this class coming years ago and loaded up for what would be their senior season. Yes, if they had to do a home and home that might mean some beatings next year. I actually did not know they were playing St. Anthony's, that is fantastic! Briarcliff and Stepniac are not top teams are not exactly the cream of NY and I would expect NF to win those two. Perhaps those were substitutes for the ones they lost. I wish them the best this year. I think they might get pounded by St. A but a good showing vs Lincoln-Sudbury would be a great validation for some of their teams which haven't gotten to stretch themselves.

[JBFortunato]

Man, this room is quiet. Too quiet.
Two weeks from tomorrow you have Darien, Delbarton, Glastonbury, Greenwich and Daniel Hand scrimmaging at Darien. The season starts the following weekend.
Let's hear some chatter.

[Topright]

While I couldn't come up with 19 defensive units to watch in 2019, I think I can do a fair to middling job on what I feel are the four most impressive defensive units in CIAC lacrosse heading into the 2019 season. I won't claim to have seen every team, or be aware of every underclassman who could make a difference this season on defense, however - so feel free to chime in with your own D groups to watch.
1) Wilton- If defense wins championships, expect Wilton to win the FCIAC and a state 'ship in 2019. What an impressive unit. All-American goalie Andrew Calabrese, a Navy commit, is an athletic and experienced stopper, one of a trio of four year starters on defense for the Warriors. Pole Ryan Schriber (Michigan) has seen his stock rise nationally, and is regarded now as one of the top poles in the country. Opposite Schriber is Tyler Previte (Air Force), an absolute bulldog of a defender with a mean streak. Seniors Drew Herlyn and Jake Stein fill out the unit. Losing All-American LSM Joe Scarfi to graduation will hurt, but this experienced group, forged in the fire of the FCIAC over many seasons, will have a special year nonetheless.
Tyler Previte: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shuCCu08kLM
Ryan Schriber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id0RsraFQso
2) New Fairfield - The Rebs ran the table in 2018, going undefeated in route to winning SWC and Class M state championships, and they bring back 19 seniors - and all but one starter - for 2019: they have to be considered a prohibitive favorite to repeat as conference and state champs. The defensive unit is the soul of the New Fairfield success story, boasting two All-American poles in Nick Alviti (Vermont) and James Leary (Robert Morris), and All-State defender Zach Buffington. Goalie Brennan Hart is a formidable stopper who gets the ball out in a hurry. While the New Fairfield poles can certainly play lockdown defense, the really unique aspect of the Rebels D group is the ability of the poles to spark transition and consistently contribute in a significant way on the offensive end of the field. You can't ignore those poles when they come across the middle of the field, if you do so any of them can and will score. A deja-vu date with Daniel Hand on June 8th for another Class M championship looks like a foregone conclusion.
Zach Buffington: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5359082/5b ... 0550a0a39d
Nick Alviti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AQVe7K0TLw
Brennan Hart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F24w6k9Jgj0
3) Staples - With star goalie Matt Garber off to Boston University, and head coach Paul McNulty stepping down, the Wreckers program is in transition. However, a rock solid defensive unit should help make that transition a smooth one. A trio of senior poles returns for the 2019 campaign, and they form one of the most imposing units in the state. Blake Runkle (Albany) is a towering, physical presence who is great off the ground, and Donny Macaluso (Fairfield University) can play up top or down low, or even take a faceoff: both of these guys can get out in transition and make things happen on the offensive end. Jack Dorsey (Hamilton) is the other senior in the group, a great team defender with a high lacrosse IQ. At goalie, it looks like Junior Ben Howard will take over for Garber. Howard plays club for Express North, and is a big, agile stopper with great hands and quick feet up the field.
Blake Runkle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABG9v8KA5PY
Don Macaluso: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D2iO7MbHqc&t=158s
Ben Howard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr1mZg3Amfs
Jack Dorsey: sportsrecruits.com/athlete/jack_dorsey/?video=133055
4) Daniel Hand - Anchored by arguably the best goalie in Connecticut, Quinnipiac commit Griffin Fitzmaurice, Hand loses one starter from its Class M runner-up backline. Returning two seniors - one of the biggest hitters in the state, lockdown defender Ryan Flynn (Skidmore), and dynamic LSM Ryley Brohel (Florida Southern) - as well as junior Ben Corniello, an imposing force down low, Hand also gets back senior LSM Ian Rice, and junior Jack Hughes. Hand, too, boasts an excellent defensive midfield unit led by Liam Regan, Tom Ferrick and Connor Bergere. If Hand can finally breakthrough and win that elusive state championship, it will be on the back of their formidable defense, and the attack tandem of Jack Flanagan and Tommy Swank, the most prolific goal scorer in CIAC lacrosse last season.
Ryan Flynn: http://www.hudl.com/v/2A0xbf
Griffin Fitzmaurice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdJNaVoC8rM
Ryley Brohel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po5AVB7EcRg&t=110s
Tom Ferrick: http://www.hudl.com/v/2A381c
Team: https://vimeo.com/274395908

Great write up... funny so many kids I coached when they were young. Especially kids at hand. Good D Core over there for sure. lol forward to more write ups... I have to stress one thing. I think CT sports is a joke. I played back in the day.. much different. I can’t stand this class System at crowing multiple championship. Just fake and not right. Should be D1 and D2... if you want to be the Best.. play the best...I bring it back to the founders or west 1...there are no days off... wick, burry, Deerfield, TP, AOF , Taft, westy, Berk Choate... all kicknrhe turd out of each other. To many powder puffs in ciac schedule. Great players all over those teams. The the best should play the best in CT. The talent is there in he smaller schools.

[DuckLax]

Man, this room is quiet. Too quiet.
Two weeks from tomorrow you have Darien, Delbarton, Glastonbury, Greenwich and Daniel Hand scrimmaging at Darien. The season starts the following weekend.
Let's hear some chatter.

Anyone know who else other than the teams listed above are going to Darien? I think there are usually some additional names (last year Avon and Everest and a few others too i think)

[JBFortunato]

Man, this room is quiet. Too quiet.
Two weeks from tomorrow you have Darien, Delbarton, Glastonbury, Greenwich and Daniel Hand scrimmaging at Darien. The season starts the following weekend.
Let's hear some chatter.

Anyone know who else other than the teams listed above are going to Darien? I think there are usually some additional names (last year Avon and Everest and a few others too i think)

I think Everest may be there, Avon will not. Should be an interesting day. We'll get our first look at Darien which, from the outside, is more of an enigma this season than any in recent memory. I wish a Darien fan would give us some flavor for what to expect from them this season.

[DuckLax]

Darien jamboree schedule is out. Team are:

Darien
AOF
Delbarton
Greenwich
Daniel Hand
Glastonbury

Darien v Delbarton at 1215 should be an interesting test for the wave to see if they have the same mojo as in recent years. May not have the big names as years past but do you really want to bet against Coach B?

Definitely give Hand props for stepping up to test its mettle against Class L (Wave and Gwich) and privates (Delbo).

Glasto wants to be thought of in same zip as the "Big boys", so they get their chance to show what they've got vs G'wich, Delbarton, and AOF.

[JBFortunato]

Can you post the schedule, or provide a link. Thanks.

[DuckLax]

Can you post the schedule, or provide a link. Thanks.

not sure if final, but what i heard was:

830
gwich vs glasto
darien vs hand

945
delbarton vs glasto
darien vs AOF

1100
Delbarton vs gwich
AOF vs Hand

1215
gwich vs hand
glasto vs AOF
darien vs delbarton

[random observer]

Some quick thoughts on some of the Fairfield County teams based on my knowledge of what they bring back and my (limited) knowledge of their pipelines. Don't know enough to say much outside of the area except that Glastonbury seems to be a consistent threat in L again, and New Fairfield is going to likely have their strongest season since the Costabile era (wish they could have gotten one of the FCIAC big boys on their schedule, but still pretty pleased to see they will be playing St. Anthony's and Lincoln-Sudbury, in addition to Glastonbury and Staples).

There hasn't been much hype around them, but I think Fairfield Prep is in line for their best season in a while. They return their entire top 6 on offense, including the best attack duo in the state. They also bring back their goalie, and have one of the best LSMs in the sophomore class nationally (Sean Fox). If you were to list pre-season favorites for Class L, I'd put them right at the top with Darien and New Canaan.

The future looks very bright for New Canaan. After a really disappointing 2017 season that squandered a really strong senior class, the Rams had a very positive 2018 with a lot of young pieces (even if the final record wasn't all that different as the year before). I thought it was Buzzeo's best coaching job to date. They return almost their entire defense, one of the best FOGOs in the nation, and a great midfield led by the state's toughest matchup problem (O'Connell), and two sophomores who played big minutes as freshmen (Chris Canet and Ryan Caione). Attack has been a little light on initiating ability since Kraus and Meichner graduated, but they do return two starters from the unit. Their sophomore class is exceptional, with a bunch of players making the NE and CONNY under armour teams over the past couple of yars.

Darien will be down this year as their senior class has some good contributors but no stars. I still think with their system and coaching they have the players to be a top 25 team again this year, but they will rely on youth more than they have in quite some time. The junior class is solid with Peters, another Minicus, and some strong poles, and the sophomore class, like New Canaan's, is exceptional led by they youngest Matheis and Andy Demopoulous, who is one of the best goalies in the 2021 class.

Ridgefield returns a good core of seniors and juniors on offense. Weston Carpenter is one of the most underrated players in the tri-state in my opinion, and Mathes and Dearth were exceptional as sophomores. They will be better off this year for having been forced to adapt to life without Greg Gatto prematurely last year. The questions will mostly be on the defensive end, where they return Parsons in goal, but graduated most of their poles. I've long maintained that Ridgefield was at its best when it ran its patented zone defense, but they've gone away from it more and more over the last 3-4 years; might we see it brought back to take advantage of Parsons with an inexperienced group in front of him?

What many had penciled as a banner year for Wilton several years back looks very uncertain now that it's here. Losing your coach and your most hyped D1 recruit in ages will do that. There are some good players back on offense such as Dinnano and Sullivan, but without Drake (and Murtha and Calabrese), the key will be an experienced and talented defense led by goalie Calabrese and poles Schriber and Previte.

Staples is in a similar position to Wilton, losing their coach and a superstar middie on a national scale in Zinn, but returning a lot of good players on the defensive end. Luckily their new coach has a lot of experience on that end as New Canaan's previous defensive coordinator. Will they have enough offensively to improve on last year's disappointments?

Lastly, there is Greenwich, who really disappointed last year. This would be a season for optimism given that they only really graduated Baugher on offense. But then they lost freshman phenom Leo Johnson to AOF, who set the program record for points in a season last year. That is a devastating blow to a program that more and more has become a feeder for a lot of the best talent in NEW-1. Hard to say where they go from hear, but hopefully the winning mentality from the championship winning football season will carry over into the spring.

One last thought is to watch out for the Fairfield squads. I believe this Ludlowe senior class beat Darien's when they were freshmen. Warde is going to make some noise in the coming years with some good 2020s and 2021s on the offensive end, led by Blake Epstein (Salisbury).

[pcowlax]

Great stuff random! So glad to see you here on this site, the undisputed sage of CT lax once Blue Warrior regrettably faded out. I agree with most all of that. If you want to get a lick in on Darien (or at least beat them, no one will lick them), this is your year. With their schedule, 4 losses wouldn’t surprise me but they have proven me wrong before. Certainly for NC, this should be the year to break the streak. I can’t wait until both of their sophomore classes are seniors, that will be epic. Some of these lax families are just amazing, I feel any year you could just roll out a preview and say watch out for Minicus and Mathias in Darien and Dearth on Ridgefield and it would probably be accurate. I am a CT and West-1 fan so overall ambivalent but for the sake of CT and public school lax, extremely depressing to see Drake and Johnson make the jump. Of course no problem with them doing what they and their parents think is in their best interest but selfishly bummed.

[Young Warrior]

Some quick thoughts on some of the Fairfield County teams based on my knowledge of what they bring back and my (limited) knowledge of their pipelines. Don't know enough to say much outside of the area except that Glastonbury seems to be a consistent threat in L again, and New Fairfield is going to likely have their strongest season since the Costabile era (wish they could have gotten one of the FCIAC big boys on their schedule, but still pretty pleased to see they will be playing St. Anthony's and Lincoln-Sudbury, in addition to Glastonbury and Staples).

There hasn't been much hype around them, but I think Fairfield Prep is in line for their best season in a while. They return their entire top 6 on offense, including the best attack duo in the state. They also bring back their goalie, and have one of the best LSMs in the sophomore class nationally (Sean Fox). If you were to list pre-season favorites for Class L, I'd put them right at the top with Darien and New Canaan.

The future looks very bright for New Canaan. After a really disappointing 2017 season that squandered a really strong senior class, the Rams had a very positive 2018 with a lot of young pieces (even if the final record wasn't all that different as the year before). I thought it was Buzzeo's best coaching job to date. They return almost their entire defense, one of the best FOGOs in the nation, and a great midfield led by the state's toughest matchup problem (O'Connell), and two sophomores who played big minutes as freshmen (Chris Canet and Ryan Caione). Attack has been a little light on initiating ability since Kraus and Meichner graduated, but they do return two starters from the unit. Their sophomore class is exceptional, with a bunch of players making the NE and CONNY under armour teams over the past couple of yars.

Darien will be down this year as their senior class has some good contributors but no stars. I still think with their system and coaching they have the players to be a top 25 team again this year, but they will rely on youth more than they have in quite some time. The junior class is solid with Peters, another Minicus, and some strong poles, and the sophomore class, like New Canaan's, is exceptional led by they youngest Matheis and Andy Demopoulous, who is one of the best goalies in the 2021 class.

Ridgefield returns a good core of seniors and juniors on offense. Weston Carpenter is one of the most underrated players in the tri-state in my opinion, and Mathes and Dearth were exceptional as sophomores. They will be better off this year for having been forced to adapt to life without Greg Gatto prematurely last year. The questions will mostly be on the defensive end, where they return Parsons in goal, but graduated most of their poles. I've long maintained that Ridgefield was at its best when it ran its patented zone defense, but they've gone away from it more and more over the last 3-4 years; might we see it brought back to take advantage of Parsons with an inexperienced group in front of him?

What many had penciled as a banner year for Wilton several years back looks very uncertain now that it's here. Losing your coach and your most hyped D1 recruit in ages will do that. There are some good players back on offense such as Dinnano and Sullivan, but without Drake (and Murtha and Calabrese), the key will be an experienced and talented defense led by goalie Calabrese and poles Schriber and Previte.

Staples is in a similar position to Wilton, losing their coach and a superstar middie on a national scale in Zinn, but returning a lot of good players on the defensive end. Luckily their new coach has a lot of experience on that end as New Canaan's previous defensive coordinator. Will they have enough offensively to improve on last year's disappointments?

Lastly, there is Greenwich, who really disappointed last year. This would be a season for optimism given that they only really graduated Baugher on offense. But then they lost freshman phenom Leo Johnson to AOF, who set the program record for points in a season last year. That is a devastating blow to a program that more and more has become a feeder for a lot of the best talent in NEW-1. Hard to say where they go from hear, but hopefully the winning mentality from the championship winning football season will carry over into the spring.

One last thought is to watch out for the Fairfield squads. I believe this Ludlowe senior class beat Darien's when they were freshmen. Warde is going to make some noise in the coming years with some good 2020s and 2021s on the offensive end, led by Blake Epstein (Salisbury).

Other random thoughts:
1. Reale gets more hype - but I'd argue Grandolfo is the best and most underrated attackman around.
2. Strength v strength when Prep plays Wilton - Reale / Grandolfo v Schriber / Previte
3. NC has a massive advantage at X over almost every contender. In my mind they should be a solid FCIAC favorite
4. As mentioned, not sure anyone will have a better defense in the state than Wilton - but dont minimize the loss of Scarfi at LSM.
5. Who runs midfield for WIlton without Murtha and Zeyher?
6. Interested to see the continued development of Darien's Peters - may hold the key to that offense
7. Always enjoy watching how talented offensive players adjust when they dont get the 2nd or 3rd pole anymore. Minicus / Pokorny / Dinanno / Dearth in that boat now.
8. Staples might sneak up on some folks if they have anyone who can score - their D is quietly very good.