Council Rock North boys lacrosse aiming for a shot in the postseason
NEWTOWN – This was a crucial week for the Council Rock North boys lacrosse team. Hoping to build off last year’s 9-6 record and make the playoffs, the Indians faced three division opponents, Neshaminy, Harry S Truman and Council Rock South. The outcome of the contests would either end or enhance any chance they had at a playoff run.
Senior Colin Slavtcheff knew full well the Indians’ preseason goals. “We wanted to win as many games as possible and make the playoffs. Council Rock North has only made the playoffs twice in the last four years and we’re hoping to go further this postseason.”
Colin felt North had the firepower to reach these aims, especially on the defensive side of the field. “I’m really impressed by our defense. Last year, we weren’t super strong with defense. But the way they work, especially on man down, is just a beautiful weaving in and out. They can conform to how the opponent’s offense is. They shift to where the ball is.”
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Led by Jack Earley and Lars Trice, the North’s offense is equally potent in Colin’s eyes. “The offense is getting the ball around very well. They’re able to take shots. They don’t drop the ball down which, when it happens, ruins your whole offensive strategy.”
As for Colin, he mans the defensive middie spot and takes most of the Indians’ draws. “For faceoffs, you have to be quick on the clamp but if you don’t get the clamp, it’s all about aggression and sticking with it. I wrestled for most of high school and that has helped me a lot on faceoffs. I’m used to grinding with my opponent and sticking with it, no matter what.”
All aspects of the Indians’ game faced its first big challenge of the “must” week in the form of a youthful but successful Neshaminy team. “Coming into that game, we had to put our heads together. We said if we win this game, it will put us in first (place) because Neshaminy was in first at the time. We knew how important this game was.”
The game proved a hard-fought affair that saw several lead changes. With the score tied at 7-7, sophomore Jack Earley scored his third goal of the day late in third period. He would continue his assault in the first two minutes of the final stanza, scoring two quick goals to help the Rock capture the all-important 13-11 victory.
Colin praised the team’s offensive effort. “The key to that win was perseverance. We got down at some points. The offense really took the team on their backs and made some good plays and scored when we really needed it.”
The Indians carried the winning momentum into their next game against Harry Truman. Their convincing 14-2 victory in that contest set up a big showdown with crosstown rival Council Rock South. The entire team felt the pregame intensity. “Usually before a game, we sit in the locker room and people are usually talking and there’s a bunch of excitement. Before the South game, everyone was totally serious. We knew we had a tough opponent ahead of us.”
The Indians, behind their scoring ace Jack Earley, jumped out to a 3-1 lead. The Golden Hawks, however, were not about to surrender. Spurred on by two goals by Brendan Patterson, South went on a 4-1 run to take the lead, one they never relinquished.
Though disappointed by the 7-5 loss, Colin and his teammates remained positive. “That was one of the best played games I’ve seen out of Council Rock North. We really tried hard but some slip ups and good play by our opponents led to the loss. I was pretty down that we didn’t come out with the win but that happens and we just have to come back from it.”
With both teams sitting atop the National Division with identical 3-1 marks, the Indians know the pressure is on them. “We are tied for first now so our loss against South leaves us with no margin of error in upcoming games. This week, we really have to focus and start putting balls in the net.”
The two rivals meet again on May10 in what could well be a fight for the division title.
