GoLocal Coaches Poll: Central Mass Lacrosse

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Algonquin's defense, led by senior Patrick Murphy, has stifled every team it has faced this year.

Welcome to the first GoLocal Coaches Poll for Central Mass high school lacrosse. GoLocal has reached out to lacrosse coaches in the region and asked them for their top-5 teams, along with some insight as to which team or player has caught their eye. Be sure to check back each week for updates on who is shooting up the charts and who is sliding down, as well as the big games to watch for the upcoming week.

Our first poll will cover the entire season to this point, and defending Central Mass Champion Algonquin was a unanimous choice at No. 1. Still, do not sleep on the surging Grafton Warriors, or Tyngsborough Tigers. It would also be wise to never count out the talented Pioneers of St. John’s School.

The Rankings

1. Algonquin: (6-0) “(Senior) Conor Healy is the player that's caught my eye so far this season; stepping his game up in good wins over St John's and Minnechaug.”- Terrence Leary, head coach, St. John’s.

2. Grafton (9-0): “Something to point out is how Tyler Reilly, as a junior for Grafton, just recorded his 300th point this past week.”- Nate Skermont, head coach, Shrewsbury.

3. St. John’s (6-1): "Solid all around with (Senior Jeff) Desko as their top offensive threat."- Matt Nofsinger, head coach, Westborough.

4. Tyngsborough (6-0): "Tynsgborough is cruising through CMass teams and will show their mettle come tournament time."- Rick Arena, head coach, Groton-Dunstable.

5. Oakmont: (5-2) “Too much fire power for most of CMass teams, but ran into a buzzsaw in Tyngborough, and a surprising vacation week loss to Groton-Dunstable.”- Marc Zarrella, head coach, Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School.

In The Hunt: Hudson (6-1), Nashoba (4-4), Westborough (3-4).

Since their season-opening loss to Algonquin, senior Jeff Desko and his St. John's teammates have rolled off six consecutive victories.

Game of the Week: Algonquin at Longmeadow- Saturday, April 28th.

The Tomahawks hit the road to take on the best team in Western Mass when they play at Longmeadow Saturday. Algonquin has a huge chance to make a statement about their ability to win a state championship, and the Tomahawks’ great defense will have to be sharp against an explosive Longmeadow attack that averages over 13 goals a game.

Also Keep an Eye on: St. John’s Prep (Danvers) at St. John’s- Tuesday, April 24th and Oakmont at Hudson- Thursday, April 26th.

The Pioneers will be tested at home early this week against the “other” St. John’s, one of the top prep teams in the state. Oakmont’s athletic offense has been stifled the past two games, and will look to get back on track against a Hudson team that is really starting to click.

This Week's Poll Participants

Rick Arena, Groton-Dunstable, Dave Dague, Milford, Nate Skermont, Shrewsbury, Terrence Leary, St. John's, Marc Zarrella, Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter, Matt Nofsinger, Westborough, Bryan Ronayne, Tyngsborough.

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