Pre-Season Boys Lacrosse
Coach: Rick Arena (9th year)
Assistant Coaches: Colin Murphy, Brian Tuomi
Key Players Graduated: Matt Manning, Ryan Dawson, Matt Kiessling
Captains: Tristan Lynch, Quintin Forbes, AJ Dufresne, Austin Hourani
Record last year: 12-10
Starting Defense: AJ Dufresne (12), Ryan Doody (12), Joey Stewart (12), Myles Markham (12).
Dufresne, a four year varsity player, is the heart and soul of the defense. Doody has made a huge improvement; will start this year. Stewart is playing lacrosse for the first time; a good athlete; big improvement earning him a start. Markham is a returning starter; long stick middie with excellent stick skills. PJ Kendall returns in goal; continues to improve with strong work ethic. "He will steal us some games this year," smiled Arena. "He's very talented!"
Starting Midfield: Quintin Forbes (12) was the leading scorer last year; very talented; a pre-season All-American. Austin Hourani (12) knows the game; intelligent player; dependable and can finish! Tristan Lynch (12), a grinder, no quit, does all the little things that often are overlooked on the scoreboard.
Starting Attack: Zach Cotoni (11) anchors the offense; is a good finisher; expecting a breakout year. Nick Irby (10) has a great shot and a high lacrosse IQ. Ryan Dodge, a hockey player in the winter; a smart, skilled lax player come spring.
Players pushing starters: Justin Cole (12), Jack O'Neil (9), Shane Dawson (10), Anthony Roufus (12), Ryan Heinser (11).
Solid Depth: Derek March (12), Paul Leonardo (11), Ronnie Peck (11), John Battles (10), Danny Howes (10), Ryan McLean (10), Owen Torgersen, (10), Carl Zimmon (10), Michael Tammaro (9).
Concerns: "Other than Dufrense, we are inexperienced at defense. They are all very athletic, and with game experience, they will be solid." (Coach Arena)
Strength: Deep, talented, strong sophomore group; returning experienced starting goalie.
Season goals: Districts. The A League schedule is demanding with Algonquin, Wachusett, North Middlesex, Westborough, Nashoba Regional. "We are definitely under dogs but strength of schedule should help in the post-season." (Coach Arena)
