ODAC 2023

[InsiderRoll]

Thanks for this analysis. The FOGO is such a critical element of each team and you did not really touch on those guys. I'd say Kraus from Lynchburg is the best returner. W&L and Noke used a combination of guys who were at times good but not very consistent. Hampden Sydney will need to figure out that position for sure. As you noted the Roanoke D struggled against better opponents last year but they are all returning and should improve. The SSDM position is another group that gets overlooked. I think W&L had the best group last year with Bentley leading the way. They will miss him for sure. I think the team that can produce the best set of SSDM's and FOGO should lead the way in 2023.

Kraus was 50% vs W&L with Darminio getting 10gbs - I’d say Lynchburg and W&L are a wash for the best FO unit on the ODAC. It has been a really weak point for the other teams in contention.

[ConcordetoODAC]

Thanks for this analysis. The FOGO is such a critical element of each team and you did not really touch on those guys. I'd say Kraus from Lynchburg is the best returner. W&L and Noke used a combination of guys who were at times good but not very consistent. Hampden Sydney will need to figure out that position for sure. As you noted the Roanoke D struggled against better opponents last year but they are all returning and should improve. The SSDM position is another group that gets overlooked. I think W&L had the best group last year with Bentley leading the way. They will miss him for sure. I think the team that can produce the best set of SSDM's and FOGO should lead the way in 2023.

Kraus was 50% vs W&L with Darminio getting 10gbs - I’d say Lynchburg and W&L are a wash for the best FO unit on the ODAC. It has been a really weak point for the other teams in contention.

Face Off Leaders 2022 Season
1. Kraus/Lynchburg
2. Alexander/Bridgewater
3. Atkins/Guilford
4. Spotts/Randolph-Macon
5. Kyver/Roanoke
6. Gallagher/W&L
7. Galler/Shenandoah
8. Greaver/Ferrum
9. Killfeather/HS
10. Sheirburn/VWU

[InsiderRoll]

Thanks for this analysis. The FOGO is such a critical element of each team and you did not really touch on those guys. I'd say Kraus from Lynchburg is the best returner. W&L and Noke used a combination of guys who were at times good but not very consistent. Hampden Sydney will need to figure out that position for sure. As you noted the Roanoke D struggled against better opponents last year but they are all returning and should improve. The SSDM position is another group that gets overlooked. I think W&L had the best group last year with Bentley leading the way. They will miss him for sure. I think the team that can produce the best set of SSDM's and FOGO should lead the way in 2023.

Kraus was 50% vs W&L with Darminio getting 10gbs - I’d say Lynchburg and W&L are a wash for the best FO unit on the ODAC. It has been a really weak point for the other teams in contention.

Face Off Leaders 2022 Season
1. Kraus/Lynchburg
2. Alexander/Bridgewater
3. Atkins/Guilford
4. Spotts/Randolph-Macon
5. Kyver/Roanoke
6. Gallagher/W&L
7. Galler/Shenandoah
8. Greaver/Ferrum
9. Killfeather/HS
10. Sheirburn/VWU

They are very different styles. But Kraus is a 59.1% FO man and Gallagher is 58.7% FO man. The league is so bad at the bottom that you can toss ODAC only stats aside - you have to look at performance against quality teams.

Kraus has an advantage there but their performances are very similar to each other.

Vs CNU Cabaniss
Kraus (5/17) - 29%
Gallagher (7/14) - 50%

Vs Denison Cronin
Kraus (8/19) - 42%
Gallagher (7/17) - 41%

Vs Cabrini
Kraus (16/28) - 57%
Gallagher (6/19) - 32%

Vs Roanoke
Kraus 1 (20/29) -69%
Kraus 2 (17/29) - 58%
Gallagher (13/21) -62%

Vs Each Other
Kraus (12/24) - 50%
Gallagher (6/12) - 50%

Vs HSC
Kraus (18/26) - 69%
Kraus (17/28) - 61%
Gallagher (19/24) - 79%
Gallagher (1/7) - 14%

Clearly Kraus is more consistent, Gallagher more hot and cold. Makes sense when you look at their builds and style of play.

What’s the most telling is that both of them were well under 50% against any other meaningful opponents.

Kraus
Vs Salisbury - 35%
Vs Tufts - 35%
Vs WNE - 40%

Gallagher
Vs York - 33%
Vs Gettysburg - 47%

So the real thing this uncovered is that there isn’t a single ODAC FO Specialist that is all that impactful. The best ones a really just average, as the season went along last year we learned that the entire ODAC including Lynchburg was just average. Lynchburg was barely a top 20 team when you look at the resume, arguably they weren’t really a top 20 team. W&L and Roanoke were both teams just outside the top 20. Id say this league is very open at the top, it’ll be interesting to see which program reverses course and moves forward not back. Because looking at the trend Roanoke is the only program not currently in decline, but it doesn’t mean they are ready to take it all again.

[Nothinbutthelax]

Insider.. great analysis.

Your NOKE look opened my eyes in just how much they return offensively. Have to think Pilot is focusing on FO and D. If Kulver and Reynolds improve that offense can average 15+. If D can sure up they will be much improved.

Kraus had problem keeping possession after GB on clean wins. He improved toward end of year not getting trapped. Even went to goal scoring a couple.. Darminio / Shuster and Nestor back on wings too so I expect this unit to improve.

[ConcordetoODAC]

Thanks for this analysis. The FOGO is such a critical element of each team and you did not really touch on those guys. I'd say Kraus from Lynchburg is the best returner. W&L and Noke used a combination of guys who were at times good but not very consistent. Hampden Sydney will need to figure out that position for sure. As you noted the Roanoke D struggled against better opponents last year but they are all returning and should improve. The SSDM position is another group that gets overlooked. I think W&L had the best group last year with Bentley leading the way. They will miss him for sure. I think the team that can produce the best set of SSDM's and FOGO should lead the way in 2023.

Kraus was 50% vs W&L with Darminio getting 10gbs - I’d say Lynchburg and W&L are a wash for the best FO unit on the ODAC. It has been a really weak point for the other teams in contention.

Face Off Leaders 2022 Season
1. Kraus/Lynchburg
2. Alexander/Bridgewater
3. Atkins/Guilford
4. Spotts/Randolph-Macon
5. Kyver/Roanoke
6. Gallagher/W&L
7. Galler/Shenandoah
8. Greaver/Ferrum
9. Killfeather/HS
10. Sheirburn/VWU

They are very different styles. But Kraus is a 59.1% FO man and Gallagher is 58.7% FO man. The league is so bad at the bottom that you can toss ODAC only stats aside - you have to look at performance against quality teams.

Kraus has an advantage there but their performances are very similar to each other.

Vs CNU Cabaniss
Kraus (5/17) - 29%
Gallagher (7/14) - 50%

Vs Denison Cronin
Kraus (8/19) - 42%
Gallagher (7/17) - 41%

Vs Cabrini
Kraus (16/28) - 57%
Gallagher (6/19) - 32%

Vs Roanoke
Kraus 1 (20/29) -69%
Kraus 2 (17/29) - 58%
Gallagher (13/21) -62%

Vs Each Other
Kraus (12/24) - 50%
Gallagher (6/12) - 50%

Vs HSC
Kraus (18/26) - 69%
Kraus (17/28) - 61%
Gallagher (19/24) - 79%
Gallagher (1/7) - 14%

Clearly Kraus is more consistent, Gallagher more hot and cold. Makes sense when you look at their builds and style of play.

What’s the most telling is that both of them were well under 50% against any other meaningful opponents.

Kraus
Vs Salisbury - 35%
Vs Tufts - 35%
Vs WNE - 40%

Gallagher
Vs York - 33%
Vs Gettysburg - 47%

So the real thing this uncovered is that there isn’t a single ODAC FO Specialist that is all that impactful. The best ones a really just average, as the season went along last year we learned that the entire ODAC including Lynchburg was just average. Lynchburg was barely a top 20 team when you look at the resume, arguably they weren’t really a top 20 team. W&L and Roanoke were both teams just outside the top 20. Id say this league is very open at the top, it’ll be interesting to see which program reverses course and moves forward not back. Because looking at the trend Roanoke is the only program not currently in decline, but it doesn’t mean they are ready to take it all again.

InsiderRoll- you make a great point and that was my point but not articulated as well. Appreciate the posts with empirical data and breakdown.

[Bert Macklin]

Personally I am excited for the ODAC season, I think it is wide open for the top four teams to win and here's why

- LYN is LYN favored to win every year. Bring back a lot but also lose a lot. Lewis and Kenney were top leading scorers; both gone now but, have some power in Wolfe and Mitchell. D should be solid and FOGO should make use of some steam he picked up on as season went on. Wonder what the goalie situation will be (I felt this is were they struggled last year). Coaching is also a factor and you don't find much better then the LYN staff

- W&L I think lost a lot of both sides of the ball but, always manage to bring in strong recruits and the d was very well coached last year. Lost a fantastic goalie and some key defense but, also return some. Defense won't be as strong as last but, I image they figure it out. What I feel is going to be the issue is offense, lost their key guys IMO.

- HSC is a team I feel won't get the credit they deserve going in. Last year was interesting for them and riddled with injuries (Hitt, Thompson, Saunders, Clagget) but, when they got it all together made it to the ODAC Championship. The most blaring issue going into the season is FOGO but, it looks like they have brought in some. Again they will be backed by a strong defense with All-conference and AA (Morgan) players everywhere and the offense is going to be more of a unit. Alot of young guys last year who now have a year playing with each other under their belt. I think they have a strong chance.

- Noke this year is a team I feel is similar to HSC have some strong returns and receipts to fill in pieces they needed. For them Kammermen is the rock. Best offensive player in the league IMO and one of the top attack men in the country. They can build around him and make some noise. Where they struggle is D and Fogo, need to fix that. You won't win an ODAC by being reliant on outscoring your opponent in a shootout. If they fix up the defense then it will definitely be interesting.

Just my two cents but, think the league is more open then its ever been recently.

[JustOneTime]

Each team has some holes to fill so the freshman class at each school will be an important component. Lynchburg and W&L have larger rosters so they may have more quality depth then say Roanoke. Roanoke has to get over the mental hurdle of believing they can beat W&L and Lynchburg. Lynchburg has to be the favorite until proven otherwise.

[Ol'Southlacrosse]

Just curious how many d1 teams do you think the top dawgs in the ODAC could beat?

[Laxguy703]

Just curious how many d1 teams do you think the top dawgs in the ODAC could beat?

I think the 2020-2021 Lynchburg team could’ve beaten a lot of D1 teams. Gallagher, Lewis, Ricci, (healthy) Rogers, Darminio, Dean, Mitchell, and probably a few others we’re all guys who could’ve started at relatively high level Division One’s. They had the talent and they were extremely disciplined from top to bottom. I am still surprised they didn’t make it all the way that year.

This past year I don’t think many of the “top dawgs” would’ve made too much noise playing against D1’s. It felt like a relatively down year compared to the past for the ODAC and there was not as much talent as their usually is. I think W&L and Lynchburg could’ve competed with the teams ranked in the #40-#75 range, After that it would’ve been tough.

[InsiderRoll]

Just curious how many d1 teams do you think the top dawgs in the ODAC could beat?

With some consistency… bottom 10-15. W&L beat VMI who is bottom tier by 2-3 goals last January. Lynchburg is slightly better right now, but by and large their performance vs D1 programs would probably be similar.

[InsiderRoll]

Just curious how many d1 teams do you think the top dawgs in the ODAC could beat?

I think the 2020-2021 Lynchburg team could’ve beaten a lot of D1 teams. Gallagher, Lewis, Ricci, (healthy) Rogers, Darminio, Dean, Mitchell, and probably a few others we’re all guys who could’ve started at relatively high level Division One’s. They had the talent and they were extremely disciplined from top to bottom. I am still surprised they didn’t make it all the way that year.

This past year I don’t think many of the “top dawgs” would’ve made too much noise playing against D1’s. It felt like a relatively down year compared to the past for the ODAC and there was not as much talent as their usually is. I think W&L and Lynchburg could’ve competed with the teams ranked in the #40-#75 range, After that it would’ve been tough.

Agreed. What I incoherently tried to say.

[Ol'Southlacrosse]

Just curious how many d1 teams do you think the top dawgs in the ODAC could beat?

I think the 2020-2021 Lynchburg team could’ve beaten a lot of D1 teams. Gallagher, Lewis, Ricci, (healthy) Rogers, Darminio, Dean, Mitchell, and probably a few others we’re all guys who could’ve started at relatively high level Division One’s. They had the talent and they were extremely disciplined from top to bottom. I am still surprised they didn’t make it all the way that year.

This past year I don’t think many of the “top dawgs” would’ve made too much noise playing against D1’s. It felt like a relatively down year compared to the past for the ODAC and there was not as much talent as their usually is. I think W&L and Lynchburg could’ve competed with the teams ranked in the #40-#75 range, After that it would’ve been tough.

Agreed. What I incoherently tried to say.

Feel the same way, would be fun to see some more fall ball games like the W&L VMI game. If I'm not mistaken LYN scrimmaged UVA this past spring correct?

[OSVAlacrosse]

There was an older thread on the subject of how top D3 teams would fare v. D1 which I think is an interesting topic. With more parody in D1 and more talent in the middle, I do not think top ODAC teams like LYN and W&L are going to be consistently completive with the teams in the 40-50 range as that would currently include Penn State, SU, or dare I say even JHU. However with the addition of new teams they could compete with the lower 15? Sure and win these games. A better question is what conferences could these teams compete in? Could they compete for a title in the MAAC? what conference could they compete with? It is always fair and fun fall discussion.

As for ODAC lacrosse, who are the impact freshman. Someone had mentioned SSDM, if the youngest of the Young brothers can reach his potential at HSU, I think he could make an impact. He grew up playing with strong players in the backyard who are at CNU and Richmond. I still think the ODAC in general needs to focus more in state. I did not see that many ODAC coaches on the sidelines of the top club in Virginia this summer and there are still a few players left in the 2023 class. Meanwhile some of these players went to Tufts, Cabrini, Wesleyan, the local teams could be a bigger draw.

[InsiderRoll]

There was an older thread on the subject of how top D3 teams would fare v. D1 which I think is an interesting topic. With more parody in D1 and more talent in the middle, I do not think top ODAC teams like LYN and W&L are going to be consistently completive with the teams in the 40-50 range as that would currently include Penn State, SU, or dare I say even JHU. However with the addition of new teams they could compete with the lower 15? Sure and win these games. A better question is what conferences could these teams compete in? Could they compete for a title in the MAAC? what conference could they compete with? It is always fair and fun fall discussion.

As for ODAC lacrosse, who are the impact freshman. Someone had mentioned SSDM, if the youngest of the Young brothers can reach his potential at HSU, I think he could make an impact. He grew up playing with strong players in the backyard who are at CNU and Richmond. I still think the ODAC in general needs to focus more in state. I did not see that many ODAC coaches on the sidelines of the top club in Virginia this summer and there are still a few players left in the 2023 class. Meanwhile some of these players went to Tufts, Cabrini, Wesleyan, the local teams could be a bigger draw.

Who does Tufts have committed in the 2023 class from VA/DMV? I don’t see anyone from there listed for them. Just curious.

[Carroll81]

Avertt in the ODAC now?

Just saw the announcement that ODAC is bringing back Westling. Avertt appears to have a strong program. Wonder how much that played into the decision.

[JPAtlantic]

Avertt in the ODAC now?

Just saw the announcement that ODAC is bringing back Westling. Avertt appears to have a strong program. Wonder how much that played into the decision.

Averett is on H-S & Shenandoah's schedule for 2023, but not Lynchburg. Are they full members this year?

[InsiderRoll]

Avertt in the ODAC now?

Just saw the announcement that ODAC is bringing back Westling. Avertt appears to have a strong program. Wonder how much that played into the decision.

Averett is on H-S & Shenandoah's schedule for 2023, but not Lynchburg. Are they full members this year?

Weighted schedule in the ODAC. League is split into two even fields based on historical performance over the last 5 years. Lynchburg and W&L are the top of each side and will not have to play both Randolph and Averett. They will only play one. If you scroll back a bit this is explained better.

[OSVAlacrosse]

There was an older thread on the subject of how top D3 teams would fare v. D1 which I think is an interesting topic. With more parody in D1 and more talent in the middle, I do not think top ODAC teams like LYN and W&L are going to be consistently completive with the teams in the 40-50 range as that would currently include Penn State, SU, or dare I say even JHU. However with the addition of new teams they could compete with the lower 15? Sure and win these games. A better question is what conferences could these teams compete in? Could they compete for a title in the MAAC? what conference could they compete with? It is always fair and fun fall discussion.

As for ODAC lacrosse, who are the impact freshman. Someone had mentioned SSDM, if the youngest of the Young brothers can reach his potential at HSU, I think he could make an impact. He grew up playing with strong players in the backyard who are at CNU and Richmond. I still think the ODAC in general needs to focus more in state. I did not see that many ODAC coaches on the sidelines of the top club in Virginia this summer and there are still a few players left in the 2023 class. Meanwhile some of these players went to Tufts, Cabrini, Wesleyan, the local teams could be a bigger draw.

Who does Tufts have committed in the 2023 class from VA/DMV? I don’t see anyone from there listed for them. Just curious.

Did I say Tufts? I must have misspelled Bowdoin pretty much the same schools in my book.

[smoova]

With more parody [sic] in D1 ...

Did I say Tufts? I must have misspelled Bowdoin pretty much the same schools in my book.

Fabulous.

[Ol'Southlacrosse]

There was an older thread on the subject of how top D3 teams would fare v. D1 which I think is an interesting topic. With more parody in D1 and more talent in the middle, I do not think top ODAC teams like LYN and W&L are going to be consistently completive with the teams in the 40-50 range as that would currently include Penn State, SU, or dare I say even JHU. However with the addition of new teams they could compete with the lower 15? Sure and win these games. A better question is what conferences could these teams compete in? Could they compete for a title in the MAAC? what conference could they compete with? It is always fair and fun fall discussion.

As for ODAC lacrosse, who are the impact freshman. Someone had mentioned SSDM, if the youngest of the Young brothers can reach his potential at HSU, I think he could make an impact. He grew up playing with strong players in the backyard who are at CNU and Richmond. I still think the ODAC in general needs to focus more in state. I did not see that many ODAC coaches on the sidelines of the top club in Virginia this summer and there are still a few players left in the 2023 class. Meanwhile some of these players went to Tufts, Cabrini, Wesleyan, the local teams could be a bigger draw.

Who does Tufts have committed in the 2023 class from VA/DMV? I don’t see anyone from there listed for them. Just curious.

Did I say Tufts? I must have misspelled Bowdoin pretty much the same schools in my book.

Sir, they are two different schools, very different, I know your joking but this post may offend people. Show some respect