GoLocal Lacrosse Coaches Poll: Can Undefeated Tyngsborough Grab the Top Spot?

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Monday, May 14, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

What does Tyngsborough have to do? The Tigers are the only remaining unbeaten in Central Mass and have been virtually unchallenged in over a month. Well, apparently, they have to do a little more. Tyngsborough’s perceived poor strength of schedule has them not only missing out on the top spot, but ranked all the way down at No. 3.

But this week brings a great opportunity for Tyngsborough, as they travel to high-scoring Oakmont Regional. A convincing victory over Oakmont might change some coach’s minds about this Tigers team. Meanwhile, No. 1 Algonquin continues to take care of business, but the Tomahawks have three very difficult games this week, including Round 2 of their season series against St. John’s.

So, without further ado, here are this week’s rankings, along with games and players to watch.

The Rankings

1. Algonquin (12-1)

2. Grafton (16-2)

3. Tyngsborough (14-0)

4. St. John’s (12-2)

5. Shrewsbury (7-7)

In the Hunt: Oakmont (12-2), Westborough (7-6),

Senior Jeff Desko and St. John's had a great week, defeating Minnechaug and Cathedral Springfield.

Game of the Week: Algonquin at St. John’s-Sunday, May 19th

You could certainly make the case that the Tyngsborough vs Oakmont game means more, and perhaps it does. But, hey, that’s what we have league game of the week for. This game is always a classic, and whenever a game is a rematch of last year’s Central Mass Championship, it gets top billing. Algonquin got the best of St. John’s in their first meeting, and have beaten every Central Mass opponent they’ve faced. Still, nobody has been able to beat the Pioneers at home this year. Something has to give.

Also Keep an Eye On: Groton-Dunstable at Shrewsbury-Tuesday, May 15th.

Groton-Dunstable ran into a Tyngsborough team that was firing on all cylinders last week, but the Crusaders are still not to be taken lightly. On the other side, Shrewsbury has a chance to solidify themselves as the No. 2 team in Mid Wach A with a win. The Colonials have won four straight in league play, and will look to make it five.

League Game of the Week: Tyngsborough at Oakmont-Tuesday, May 15th.

The winner of this game will hold first place in Mid Wach B, and legitimize itself as a regional contender. For Tyngsborough, a convincing win over high powered Oakmont could change the way many coaches think about the Tigers going forward. For Oakmont, a win puts them right back in the conversation as one of Central Mass’ best teams.

Standout Player of the Week

“I was thoroughly impressed with Conor Breeden from St. Peter Marian. SPM lost their goalie and another key player last week. Conor was their best and most versatile midfielder all year yet he selflessly volunteered to get in the cage and did a great job between the pipes. He is a team captain and truly demonstrated team first and leadership by example.”- A Central Mass Head Lacrosse Coach 

This Week's Poll Participants

Marc Zarrella, AMSA Charter, Nate Skermont, Shrewsbury, Colin Davis, Leominster, Rich Luongo, Algonquin, Terrence Leary, St. John's, Dave Dague, Milford.

Related Articles

• 2012 CMass Lacrosse Players to Watch
• Algonquin Lacrosse Reloads for Another Title Run
• Coach Gives More Than Time to Build Worcester Lacrosse Program
• Leominster Lacrosse Seeks Second Half Redemption
• Shrewsbury Lacrosse Fighting Through Slow Start
• GoLocal Coaches Poll: Central Mass Lacrosse
• St. John’s Lacrosse Works to Recapture CMass Bragging Rights
• GoLocal Lacrosse Coaches Poll: Grafton Makes Its Case for No. 1
• GoLocal Coaches Poll: Big Win Keeps Algonquin On Top

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