GoLocal Coaches Poll: Big Win Keeps Algonquin On Top

Monday, April 30, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Algonquin senior Conoro Healy scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lead the Tomahawks over Longmeadow.

Many thought there may be a new No.1 this week as top ranked Algonquin hit the road to face the best team in Western Mass. Instead, the Tomahawks further proved they are the team to beat in the region, scoring a 9-8 overtime win over Longmeadow.

With that win over the previously unbeaten Lancers, it's easy to see why the coaches again selected Algonquin No. 1 this week. There has been a lot said about Algonquin senior attacker Conor Healy, but after his 5 assist and game-winning goal performance Saturday, he bears mentioning again here as one of Central Mass' best players.

There was some shakeup after the Tomahawks, however.

After suffering their first loss of the season, Grafton slipped a spot, making room for St. John's at No.2. The Pioneers of St. John's picked up a pair of big wins last week, but the debate about who is No. 2 will end this week when St. John's heads to Grafton in a matchup of the Warriors' explosive offense and the Pioneers' stingy defense.

A surprise addition to the top-5 is Shrewsbury, which clearly has the attention of Central Mass coaches, despite its 3-6 record. The Colonials have stayed within three goals of the top-3 teams in the region, and their ability to slow down a game and grind it out will make them a dangerous team if they reach the postseason. And, much like last week, Tyngsborough is flying under the radar, despite an unblemished record.

The Rankings

1. Algonquin (9-0): "When you go top to bottom I think they are the most complete team with a stud at each position. They play smart and don't make mistakes. Also, if you look at the fact they they have gone on the road to beat Minnechaug, and now Longmeadow, that's no joke."- Nate Skermont, head coach, Shrewsbury.

2. St. John's (8-1): The Pioneers are rolling right now, winning eight straight and looking like a real threat to Algonquin's Central Mass superiority. A big game looms Tuesday at Grafton.

3. Grafton (11-1): The Warriors may feel snubbed, falling after their first defeat of the season. But, they will have a chance to prove themselves in the aforementioned game on Tuesday.

4. Tyngsborough (8-0): "They are a tough, well-coached, balanced team. Solid on defense and in the net, excellent attacks, and a lot of seniors leading the team."- Colin Davis, head coach Leominster.

5. Shrewsbury (3-6): "Best 3-6 team in C-Mass, will be a sniper in tournament if they can get on a roll. Bryan Parsons in one of the best defensemen in the area."- Rich Luongo, head coach, Algonquin.

In The Hunt: Oakmont (8-2), Westborough (5-4), Nashoba (5-5), Nashoba Tech (6-4).

Westborough junior Ryan Baxendale has picked his game up offensively, and the entire Ranger attack has improved.

Game of the Week: St. John's at Grafton- Tuesday May, 1st.

We will have a much better idea of who Algonquin's biggest competition in the region is after this one. St. John's has rolled off eight wins in a row, outscoring opponents by nearly six goals a game in that stretch, and Grafton is coming off a tough first loss to Amherst-Pelham. It will be interesting to see if the Warriors' prolific offense can get back on track against a very good St. John's defense.

Also Keep an Eye on: Milford at Oakmont- Tuesday, May 1st and Nashoba at Shrewsbury- Thursday, May 3rd.

Milford scored two impressive wins last week, and the Hawks will have the tall task of slowing down high-scoring Oakmont on the road. The Spartans bounced back from a rough week in the middle of the month with three straight wins where they scored at least 14 goals in each game.

Shrewsbury has everyone's attention, but the Colonials are hungry for a marquee win. Beating the visiting Chieftains would go a long way, as Nashoba has battled through the loss of leading scorer Nick French to stay alive in the race for a postseason berth.

League Game of the Week: Algonquin at Westborough- Tuesday, May 1st.

Despite Algonquin's hot start, the Rangers of Westborough can seize fist place in the Mid Wach A league with a win in this one. Westborough was struggling to find offense over a three-game losing streak, but those games earlier this month seem so long ago after the Westborough offense exploded in an 18-3 win over Tantasqua.

Add in the Rangers' gutsy win over Groton-Dunstable two days prior, and you have a team that seems to be finding its groove at exactly the right time. This will be a tough road game, even for a team as talented as Algonquin.

This Week's Poll Participants

Rich Luongo, Algonquin, Anthony Comforti, Blackstone Valley Tech, David Dague, Milford, Rick Arena, Groton-Dunstable, Nate Skermont, Shrewsbury, Colin Davis, Leominster.