Centennial Conference 2024

[Bigdoinks]

wow what a stinking load of poo poo from Gettysburg. Want to say credit to wac…. but not even sure they played that well.

This isn't weasel behavior; more so an obvious conclusion anyone would come to if they watched the game. Gettysburg's play was notably sloppy. While this doesn't diminish WAC’s victory, it certainly felt like an early Christmas gift for Nostraint. It's rare to see a gburg win handed to you on a silver platter like that.

[CentennialPundit]

wow what a stinking load of poo poo from Gettysburg. Want to say credit to wac…. but not even sure they played that well.

This isn't weasel behavior; more so an obvious conclusion anyone would come to if they watched the game. Gettysburg's play was notably sloppy. While this doesn't diminish WAC’s victory, it certainly felt like an early Christmas gift for Nostraint. It's rare to see a gburg win handed to you on a silver platter like that.

Right. WAC won so there’s that. Not sure if wac played better than their standard. But it certainly cools the seat of their coach.

[oglaxgod420]

One final weekend of the regular season, and it's mayhem per usual in the Centennial Conference. Thin margins separate the Pool C hopefuls and the "Super Hot Garbage". This marks either the end of the road, or the start of a second season. Saturday will be the last time some of these gladiators pick up a lacrosse stick, while others may look to dominate their local ULax League in the fall. It will be an emotional day for some, and a sigh of relief for for the Diplomats.

The story of this weekend is undoubtable the stalemate in the middle of the conference. The eloquent G.F.Handel_19 broke down all possible playoff scenarios like Steve Kornacki covering the electoral race. Since WAC, Haverford and Ursinus all "Spider Man Meme'd" each other, nothing relevant separates them going into this weekend.

The fact that the Sho'Men are not only alive, but can clinch a HOME GAME this weekend, is truly fascinating. Maybe it's not quite time to send Nostrant packing? They notched a couple of gutsy wins, indicating that they can not only keep games close, but prevail in the late game. The Geese are
also the only team of the 3 who have a "Win & In" scenario.

Ursinus self-destructed last Saturday, in a game that could have practically sealed their birth into the playoffs. They have an uphill climb this weekend, and need some help. They have least scenarios to enter the playoffs, but a win would give them an excellent shot. If WAC loses at 1pm, Ursinus have themselves play in game at 3pm, which may provide the jolt of energy these Bears need.

Finally, the Fords have operated in the 4-6 range all year, with one of their most impressive performances of the year coming last week in a loss to Dickinson. They have 3 scenarios where they enter the playoffs, but are the only team of the group who could make it with a loss this week. If none of these ball clubs manage an upset this weekend, Haverford would secure the heralded 5 seed. Although we all know to expect the unexpected at this point in the season, this would be the "most likely" outcome.

WAC's ability to control their own destiny is huge, while Ursinus and Haverford will keep a close eye on the other scores around the conference. Relying on another Centennial team to win a game for you is like betting on a horse named "Pee Nesenvy", promising in theory, yet disappointing in practice. However, one of these teams will hit "Verde" on the roulette wheel this weekend and turn a forgettable season into an unlikely success story. All three of these teams have overcame adversity and mediocrity this year. This leads me to believe that these teams will fight like men on Saturday, rather than roll over like dogs.

Let's get into the picks for the weekend. After a week's hiatus, I'm ready for a nice cashout. Tons of value across the book, as Vegas continues to fade Centennial underdogs. While there have been few true upsets, teams like McDaniel, Ursinus and WAC have shown an uncanny ability to cover. The biggest lock for the weekend is sunny weather bringing out rowdy Mid-altantic crowds. From drunk alumni to 8th graders chirping 23 year old men, this Saturday will have it all. Fill the cooler, make your way down to your favorite venue and as always gamble responsibly.


McDaniel @ F&M (-4.5)
In what many have dubbed the Toilet Bowl, these teams will be playing for their pride on Saturday. The Dips season turned into an absolute nightmare. My sources tell me that Cavallaro will be on the recruiting trail starting Sunday, scouring the hot beds for potential program changers. McDanks nearly struck gold two weeks ago, giving Haverford a scare in the 4th quarter. In typical Green Terror fashion, they bottled it and wasted their best opportunity at a Conference win in years. This one will be sloppy, as we may see a weird mix of seniors getting their last chance to play, and young guys getting a chance to gain some experience. Both these squads have nothing else to lose, and something tells me the Diplomats will finally play some half decent lacrosse, as they don't want to let their seniors go out at an all-time low. Dips 13-8.

It has come to my attention that this game was played this evening. Good job F&M, have a great Grit Week

Gettysburg (-5.5) @ WAC
The WAC apologists finally have a foot to stand on, and the Sho'Men will play a meaningful lacrosse game in late April for the first time in a few years. Cam Carrigan and Connor Garrison have provided the late season spark for this flock, and it is clear that there is true belief down there. The issue is, they will be outmatched at every position on Saturday. Gettysburg has a tendency to play down to certain opponents, WAC is not one of those opponents. The Bullets have looked sluggish by their standards and some of their inexperience has shown later in the season. Both these teams will be incentivized. As I mentioned, this is a playoff game for WAC and Gettysburg needs to win the conference to make NCAA's. WAC's lack of depth on offense will be limiting, and Gettysburg definitely has the size and athleticism to cover their top guys. I assume this will be a close game due to the magnitude of the matchup, and a rowdy crowd of blue-collar WAC faithful cheering on their Sho'Men. It would be monumental for the Sho'Men to score this win, as the ghost of OC's watches over them proudly. I love their chances to cover, but I don't think their D-Mids and face off unit can hang with the Bullets' counterparts. Throw that up on the whiteboard tomorrow morning, Nostrant. Bullets 13-10.

Ursinus @ Dickinson (-2.5)
This game has potential to be an absolute thriller. There's a bear in the woods, and it'll be hungry to prove doubters (like myself) wrong. Ursinus can play up with anybody and play down with anybody on any given day. On the other hand, Dickinson looked pedestrian in the second half against Haverford. The Devils defense struggles when plays break down, and has a tendency to miss assignments in transition. Many of these positional matchups are a wash. Both teams have excellent tendies and balanced offensive output. The Bears play a much more opportunistic, hunter-gatherer, offensive style which lends itself well to this matchup. Dickinson will need #GetBusy and button up their transition defense. The elephant in the room is the matchup a the faceoff dot. The Red Devils have a two headed kraken with John Mckee and @Benontren. While the Bears are facing off at a respectable 57% on the year, McKee is on another level and has the ability to make real lacrosse plays after the draw. If Ursinus can get outstanding performances from their specialists and get a widespread offensive effort, they certainly can win this game. I'd expect Ursinus to come out firing and nab a couple quick garbage goals. Webster will utilize all his time outs (you can take em to the bus with you), and get his boys back on track heading into the playoffs. Devs 14-12.

Haverford @ Swarthmore (-3.5) Royal Farms® Game of the Week

"The most electrifying rivalry in southeastern Pennsylvania"

Hopkins/Maryland. Yankees/Red Sox. Seminoles/Gators. Tom/Jerry. Migos/Joe Budden. Cain/Abel. These rivalries pale in comparison to Swat/Haverford.

If you're looking for late hits, animated cellies, and lively discourse between the officials and the coaches, look no further than Clothier Field on Saturday. These ball clubs don't like each other, that's no secret. Gress has the Garnet at an all time high, while Carrington has sprung his team into action with a new offensive framework The Fords live and die by sword that is transition, while Swat dominates time of possession again nearly every opponent. Swat has a notorious knack for keeping every conference game close then capitalizing in the final few minutes. The Garnet certainly carry all momentum into this game, but they do often try to play too cute and score highlight reel goals. Fortunately for them, Pat Gress doesn't frequent Instagram Reels, and gets them to snap out of it before it too late. Haverford thrives when things get muddy, Matt Richards looked like a Waste Management truck operator on the crease last weekend. My sources told me the Von Mabbs was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, hindered by fractured orbital bone. I expect him to go on Saturday, but it will certainly be a game time decision. The Fords have an interesting situation in the cage, as they had senior Andy Tieso step in for his first start against Dickinson and go off for 22 saves. It seems uncertain who will start tomorrow, will the Ford start the hot hand or trust their All-American? We'll have to see how things shake out after warm-ups.

Offensively, the Garnet are incredibly loaded. Their attack trio is loaded, and their midfield has stirred the drink in big games as well. This group need no further analysis, as they have cemented their efficiency and chemistry through the last two years. The Fords offense, while volatile, can be very effective in spurts. They will need to string together four quarters of excellent lacrosse to pull this one off. Haverford tends to bring out another gear of intensity, sliding high and late to any Garnet jersey in sight. This will be a game of runs, as Haverford will be playing for a potential playoff birth and will come out swinging. Swat will undoubtably weather the storm with several runs of their own. This game is destined for overtime, and this matchup will provide another instant classic. Make sure to take your meds and stabilize before this one, as it doesn't get any more intense than this matchup. The Garnet have delivered the knock out punch the past two years in overtime, I think the Black Squirrels avenge these losses on their way to the CC playoffs for the first time in 6 years. 16-15 Fords in Overtime.

Yawn

[westernbestern]

WAC was the better team today without question. Gettysburg has a lot of freshmen playing which I think showed today with their mistakes and lack of overall toughness, but it is promising for the future. The rematch on Tuesday will be exciting. Even as a WAC fan, I don't know if they can pull off another upset on a quick turnaround. I expect the Bullets to be ready for round 2.

[xxxxxxx]

wow what a stinking load of poo poo from Gettysburg. Want to say credit to wac…. but not even sure they played that well.

This isn't weasel behavior; more so an obvious conclusion anyone would come to if they watched the game. Gettysburg's play was notably sloppy. While this doesn't diminish WAC’s victory, it certainly felt like an early Christmas gift for Nostraint. It's rare to see a gburg win handed to you on a silver platter like that.

Right. WAC won so there’s that. Not sure if wac played better than their standard. But it certainly cools the seat of their coach.

Nody’s seat is just fine, big win for the WAC!

[SlackBaller]

Notable win for WAC and Swat this weekend. Swat played as complete a game as we have seen all year. Only a few desperation turnovers anchored on the need to score ticked their overall t
TO’s over the Fords. They dominated on gb and faceoffs. The offense played team ball and it showed in the spread of goals across 9 players. My read is Garnet has yet to hit full stride but they are now showing what it will take to play at the higher levels in DIII. No easy days ahead through conference however.
I see the Bullets rebounding against WAC for the win Tues and I am calling a loss for Dickinson.

[ToeDipper78]

Centennial game picks are like Mel Kiper's draft predictions: all about the "before" and let's hope nobody goes back to check reality.

Gettysburg going back to WAC a couple of days of getting outplayed can't feel good. They could've gotten a home game vs Haverford but instead have to stick their hand in the blender and hope WAC doesn't plug it in. Swat has to feel great going into their home playoff game #1 vs whoever they play. Saw the score update "oooh, Fords will pull it off in a rivalry game!" as Swat spotted Fords a 3-1 lead then apparently turned it into a Var vs JV game. Mules at Dickinson, only thing we know is Mules won't win comfortably, not their style. Gonna be tight.
PS- Too bad the Green Terror didn't end their streak and banish F&M to a winless conf season. Don't hate on Dips but lets admit everyone wanted to see that.

[WashedUp06]

CC Tourney Preview / Predictions:

1st - What a finish to the regular season, great drama, great games, and some interesting story lines heading into the tourney.
2nd - CC is a 2 bid league this year

Play-in game: Gburg vs WAC - the bullets are limping into the playoffs it may be "locker room" issues, it may be youth, but we all know they need to sharpen up if they want to make some noise. WAC on the other hands appears to found some mojo the past few weeks, but b2b wins vs same team is tough to come by against quality competition. Give me the Bullets in a nail biter 12-11 (OT?)

2v3: Dickinson vs Muhlenberg: Seems like a full season has passed since these 2 first played. Dickinson is 1 of 2 CC teams to beat the Mules (the other being SWAT) & finished them off decisively early in CC play...but the Mules are coming in HOT. 7 straight wins & are as battle tested as any team in the conference. I predict another close one. Mules will have had a long break between games to prepare/heal up, but this could also mean coming off the bus a little slower than normal without competitive play in over a week. Give me the Mules 13-11 with the edge coming from a week of defensive scheming in Allentown & a big game from their young stars who have found their sea legs in CC play.

1v 4/5: Swat vs winner of Gburg /WAC: Swat wins by minimum of 4 goals regardless of the team they play.

Championship Prediction: Swat v Mules: 1st game ended in OT . Second game...not much different and comes down to the wire with Swat pulling it out by 2 goals late in the 4th (14-12).

NCAA Bids:
AQ - Swat
Pool C - Devils
Just Missed - Mules (OOC losses to Desales / Scranton kill any chance regardless of making the CC championship)

[MVPiccoli]

Dickinson angered the lax gods. I don't know how they will exact vengeance, but it's coming.

[the_fish_whist1er]

One of the better atmospheres of the season was in Chestertown this weekend. Alums ranging from the '80s all the way up to last year were in Gburg's ear all game. Felt like a when they used put the yellow rope around the Kib. A tall task to beat the same squad twice in a three day span but it seems like things are clicking for the Shoremen. Crisp ball movement, solid goalie/clear play, great post-goal cellys. Hoping they can pull it off tomorrow.

[CentennialPundit]

Predictions for today’s game? I could truly see it going either way.

I think Vegas would set the line around Gettysburg -4.5. I would also guess this time around will be much lower scoring.

Ill take the bullets to win 12-9. I hope wac pulls it off though, that would be awesome. I think WAC’s fogo unit will play better than the first game (unless there was an injury I don’t know about) but Gettysburg defense will hold a little stronger. Also even if Gettysburg’s offense isn’t any more dynamic, I can’t imagine them playing sloppier than first meeting.

[SlackBaller]

Predictions for today’s game? I could truly see it going either way.

I think Vegas would set the line around Gettysburg -4.5. I would also guess this time around will be much lower scoring.

Ill take the bullets to win 12-9. I hope wac pulls it off though, that would be awesome. I think WAC’s fogo unit will play better than the first game (unless there was an injury I don’t know about) but Gettysburg defense will hold a little stronger. Also even if Gettysburg’s offense isn’t any more dynamic, I can’t imagine them playing sloppier than first meeting.

Agree on all of these points. Not unusual to see a team that has talent, hit rock bottom and then rebound. WAC is all about momentum and if GB punches them in the mouth early, I think they run this to a 4 point win

[Bigdoinks]

Sho-men got it today? Drop your prediction on the thread below!

[veryoldgoose]

WAC has been brutal between the lines, that has been the difference in this game. Gettyburg hasn't blown the doors off or looked any better than this weekend, but WAC cannot play in the middle of the field without turning it over. That is just a basic execution issue.

[TheCommissioner]

Predictions on the semi-finals tonight?

Gettysburg @ Swarthmore
Getty has had a terrible finish to their season but seemed to get the job done when it mattered most on Tuesday. Another sloppy performance for them however and I think it will carry into tonight against a Swat team who has had their number the past two seasons. A third long road trip for the Bullets in less than a week to Swat who I saw was just ranked 3rd in the USA Lacrosse polls. Swat is a dominant team and I do not see them losing this game. My prediction is 15-7 Swat

Muhlenberg @ Dickinson
This should be a more entertaining game. Dickinson has won the conference two years in a row but do not have the same team as those years. Dickinson controlled the game in their matchup this season but haven't proved that they will appear in a third straight Centennial Championship. Muhlenberg started to get in a groove in conference play and having 7 straight wins heading into tonight's game has got to feel good. I think this will be a nail-biter. Give me Dickinson at home tonight 13-12 with the go-ahead goal with little time in regulation or maybe even Overtime.

[kirbysmart14]

Predicting Swat 15-12 and Dickinson 14-9

[ChopMan23]

how bout dem bullets

[ChopMan23]

Is swat even deserving of a bid now that they missed the championship game?

[SixBySix]

Is swat even deserving of a bid now that they missed the championship game?

I think they sneak in, but certainly are right on the bubble.

[SlackBaller]

Lots to learn from in the swat game. Coaches..manage timeouts better. I’d think this would have been the case after GC last year. If you are the coach managing the sideline and shifts, you own offsides. If you play your best LSM who is still injured into the second half of MCD and his knee gets blown out, you own it. These were significant misses.
Goalies..need to come up big in clutch games. Ours did not. Make the switch earlier than 4 mins left in a game.
Still turnover issues and lack of grit on gb’s. GB played like they wanted a championship. Swat played like they were “too hot”. Let’s see if the tournament Gods smile on a 14-2 team.