Why Algonquin Lacrosse is the Playoff Favorite
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Senior Patrick Murphy has led the stingy Algonquin defense all year.
This year, a deep playoff run from the Tomahawks is expected.
“It is different this year, and there’s a lot more pressure,” coach Rich Luongo said. “The kids have to know that they’re going to get every team’s best shot, and sometimes it’s tough to motivate a team that knows it’s good, against teams they think they are going to beat.”
Algonquin’s 2011 run through the playoffs consisted of three consecutive overtime victories, including a 10-9 victory over rival St. John’s in the district championship game. Then-sophomore Davis Kraft introduced himself to the Central Mass lacrosse scene with four goals in that game, including the game winner in overtime.
Now a junior, Kraft has been integral to the Tomahawks’ dominant run through Central Mass this year. Still, the talented midfielder knows his team’s real work is ahead of it.
“We have to make sure we don’t get too cocky and think we’re such a great team,” Kraft said. “Because there are teams out there that can beat us. Being the favorite doesn’t mean anything, except that we will have to work harder.”
But Algonquin (17-1, 12-0 Mid Wach A) has reason to be confident. The Tomahawks haven’t lost to a Central Mass opponent since May 7th of 2011 when they fell to St. John’s, but have beaten the Pioneers three straight times since then. Algonquin’s only loss this season came in overtime, on the road, against state power Hingham 13-12. It was also the only time the Tomahawks gave up double-digit goals to a single opponent.
Junior Brennan Pierce defending St. John's star attacker Jeff Desko in an Algonquin win earlier this year.
“There is an aura about this team unlike any team I’ve ever coached,” Luongo said. “That has a lot to do with their skill set. Our whole team has really rallied around our strong players. Guys like (Conor) Healy, Patrick Murphy and Dave McGovern. They definitely have confidence.”
Algonquin has held opponents to less than five goals a game this season, good for third in the district. More impressively, they have done so playing one of the toughest schedules in the state. The defense is led by senior captain Patrick Murphy, and junior goalie Giles Ober has had a sensational first year starting in net.
The Tomahawks have dominated with their signature defense this year, but have gotten one of Central Mass’ best offensive performances from senior attacker Conor Healy. Widely considered the region’s top player, Healy has compiled 96 points (46G, 50A) this regular season, and reached 300 career points last week in a game against North Middlesex.
Nobody at Algonquin is getting ahead of themselves, they know that to get where they want to go, it all starts Wednesday against Hudson. But unlike last year, Algonquin’s ambitions go beyond a district crown.
“Last year we had momentum (going into the playoffs), but we didn’t know how far we could go,” Kraft said. “This year there’s been some talk, between coaches and captains, about achieving what no other public school in Central Mass has, and winning a state championship.”
The Tomahawks begin their quest for a state title at home on Wednesday against Hudson. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 pm.
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