Grafton Takes on Algonquin in CMass Lacrosse Final

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Friday, June 08, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Three of Central Mass' four lacrosse All Americans will be on the field for tomorrow's district championship game between Algonquin and Grafton.

Algonquin (20-1) and Grafton (21-2) each come into the game without a loss in Central Mass, and Indian coach Alan Rotatori wants his team to treat the defending champion Tomahawks like every other team on the schedule.

"We don't change for anybody," Rotatori said. "We have a set movement that we like to play with, and then we adjust to what we see… Our approach doesn't change very much, no matter the opponent."

A pivotal matchup within the game will be Algonquin's diverse offense led by All American senior Conor Healy and juniors Davis Kraft and Keegan Gillis against Grafton's versatile group of defensemen. With players like senior Kevin McKernan and juniors Austin O'Connor and Jon Coughlin, Rotatori believes his team will be ready for whatever the Tomahawks can throw at them.

"I think we match up pretty well with Algonquin since we have three very capable close defensemen," Rotatori said. "It's a luxury that we have those three guys, and they can trade off and cover different players on the attack well."

While Rotatori is confident in his defense, it has been Grafton's offense that has grabbed people's attention this season. Led by All American junior Tyler Reilly (84G, 64A), the Indians have the highest scoring offense in Central Mass, putting up 14.4 goals a game. Reilly leads the district in individual points, and not far behind him is classmate and fellow All American midfielder Bryan Rotatori (67G, 52A), coach Alan's son.

"Hopefully we come out in a relaxed, focused state and do something that haven't been done in a while here in Grafton," the elder Rotatori said.

Algonquin, on the other hand, is hoping to repeat as Central Mass champions and contend for the program's first state championship. The Tomahawks have eliminated the Indians from the district playoffs the past two seasons, and Algonquin coach Rich Luongo knows he will get Grafton's best shot.

"We know we're in for a heck of a game," Luongo said. "Grafton is tremendously talented and very well coached. We're going to have to play a clean game if we're going to beat them."

The Central Mass district championship game will be played tomorrow at Worcester's Foley Stadium at 3:15 pm. Check back to GoLocalWorcester for highlights after the game.

Related Articles

• GoLocal Lacrosse Coaches Poll: Grafton Makes Its Case for No. 1
• Grafton Tops Tyngsborough for a Spot in the CMass Final
• Algonquin Lacrosse Reloads for Another Title Run
• Algonquin’s Healy Headlines CMass Lacrosse All Americans
• CMass Lacrosse Notebook: Round Three for Algonquin and St. John’s

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