2021 Mercury Boys Lacrosse Team-by-Team Preview

BOYERTOWN

Head coach: Grady Wise, 5th season

2019 record: 8-1 PAC, 12-7 overall, PAC semifinals, District 1-3A qualifier

Players to watch: Seniors Lane Yergey, A; Zach Kuhar, A/M, JR Rhoads, D; Brendan Smith, D; John McGrath, M/FO; Jonathan Mayan, M. Junior Adam Gallagher, M.

Outlook: Boyertown enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2019 by finishing second in the PAC regular season. Six Bear seniors are committed to play in college – Lane Yergey (Gwynedd Mercy), Zach Kuhar (Misericordia), Jacob Rhoads (Immaculata), Brendan Smith (Hood), John McGrath (Neumann Univ.) and Jonathan Mayan (Bentley College) – and will be looked upon to lead this spring. McGrath and Wyatt Yerger should form a formidable faceoff duo according to coach Grady Wise. Converted midfielder Zac Womer, a junior, steps into goal to fill a void at the position. “He is a true testament of a selfless teammate,” Wise said of Womer. Wise hopes the defense can gel quickly in order for Boyertown to contend for the PAC anda place in the District 1-3A playoffs.

DANIEL BOONE

Head coach: Jake Snyder, 5th season

2019 record: 4-6 Berks, 7-9 overall

Players to watch: Seniors Jude Segaline, att.; Carter Adams, def.; Nathan Tindall, mid.; Owen Wagenmann, mid. Sophomore Colin Wagner, A.

Outlook: With an inexperienced unit on defense the Blazers may face an uphill climb in 2021. Coach Jake Snyder sees the attack as a potential strength, but its opportunities could be limited.

HILL SCHOOL

Head coach: Mike Murphy, 3rd season

2019 record: 5-10 overall

Players to watch: Seniors Cory Capri, A; John Imperato, M; Carter Straub, M; Brett Reynolds, FO; Cooper Sugden, SS; Andrew Chirieleison, D. Juniors Will Lesko, A: Mike Kapral, A; Will Schaller, D/LSM; Kenry Komosa, G. Sophomores Anthony McMullan, M; Jesse Corser-James, D/LSM.

Outlook: It appears the foundation is finally set for Hill lacrosse since head coach Mike Murphy’s arrival. The highly accomplished former college coach of 22 years, including seven as head coach at Colgate, and assistant coach of the 2019 Premier Lacrosse League champion Whipsnakes came to Hill ahead of the 2019 season that proved to be a transitional one. After the cancelled 2020 season, this spring finally presents the Blues a chance to showcase what’s been built. Hill features a strong roster that includes five college commits, including senior attack Cory Capri (Yale), senior faceoff/midfielder Brett Reynolds (Colgate), senior midfielders John Imperato (Bellarmine) and Carter Straub (Bentley) and junior defender/long-stick midfielder Will Schaller (Maryland). The Hill schedule features 10 games centered around the five-game Mid-Atlantic Prep League season culminating with a May 15 home meeting against rival Lawrenceville.

METHACTON

Head coach: Matt Saxon, 2nd season

2019 record: 3-6 PAC, 5-12 overall

Players to watch: Seniors Justin Sanelli, A; Mike Merola, M; Justin Gumienny, D/M; Quin Shields, D. Juniors Cam Light, LSM; Brody Borkowski, FO; Owen Avelar, G.

Outlook: Methacton is hoping to get back in the top half of the PAC this spring while hoping to control the tempo of games thanks to the skills of faceoff specialist Brody Borkowski. In Matt Saxon’s second season (first featuring games), the coach is on the lookout for consistency in the performances. If they can find that, Saxon’s optimism is high: “I think this is going to be a year where we could really turn some heads.”

OWEN J ROBERTS

Head Coach: Nick Mitchell, 2nd season

2019 record: 6-3 PAC, 9-9 overall, District 1-3A qualifier

Players to watch: Senior Dylan Mercadante, M. Juniors Andy Giandonato, LSM; Josh Devine, M; Parker Waldman, D; Will Jaeger, A.

Outlook: Cohesion is a thing on everyone’s mind this spring especially after the lost 2020 season. OJR head coach Nick Mitchell believes he has it with the Wildcats’ defensive unit. “We have a strong returning core on defense that has been working together for a number of years,” said Mitchell. Fitness is front of mind for Mitchell with so much time away, too. “Getting into game shape after so long an offseason and quick preseason will be a challenge for everyone this year,” he said. That’s one of many unknowns in a spring where OJR will hope to return to the upper tier of the PAC and earn a spot in districts.

PERKIOMEN SCHOOL

Head Coach: David Antoniewicz, 4th season

2019 record: 12-6 overall, TCL regular season and playoff champion

Players to watch: Senior Harrison Gavin, M/A. Junior Logan Brassington, D. Freshman Rowan Baringer, A.

Outlook: It’s a long time to keep a winning streak intact, but that doesn’t make the Panthers any less motivated to maintain it. Perk School closed the 2019 season with seven consecutive wins, resulting in a Tri-County League championship. The goal is to keep the wins going and repeat the feat in 2021. We have a goal of ending the season on top of the league again this year,” head coach Dave Antoniewicz said. Antoniewicz knows his squad will be up to speed. “We have a fair number of players who have great speed and ability to evade pressure. We should match up well in the transition game,” he said. Perk returns only one starter on defense from 2019 and will need to gain its footing on that side of the ball.

PERKIOMEN VALLEY

Head Coach: Bryan Churchey, 9th season

2019 Record: 7-2 PAC, 11-9 overall, PAC runner-up, District 1-3A first round

Players to watch: Seniors Jack Scaliti, A; Sam Nice, M; Dillon Kane, M; Aidan Owens, LSM; Thomas Carroll, D; Justin Coates, D; Jacob Klosinski, G. Juniors Matt Farrington, A; Dane Hagen, A; Harrison Schlachta, M; Aidan McCabe, M; Dallas Pulliam, Mid/FO. Sophomores Colin Delo, M/FO; Noah Delo, M/FO.
Outlook: By season’s end in 2019, seven of the Vikings’ 10 starters were underclassmen, experience that will be even more valuable after two years away. Head coach Bryan Churchey is full of praise for his senior group led by captains Jack Scaliti, Sam Nice and Gavin Stevens. “Our senior leadership has been outstanding,” he said. “Kudos to all of them for getting guys gym memberships, building their own weight rooms, doing cardio, stick work, etc. all offseason and holding their teammates accountable … regardless of how things go I will remember the character and work ethic these boys put in on their own during a global pandemic to prepare their team for the uncertainties this 2021 season will bring.” PV is more seasoned in nearly all areas compared to 2019, except for the faceoff where the graduation of former star Matt Brock will be felt. PV has worked its way into the top tier of the PAC in recent years. This just may be the year it reaches the summit.

PHOENIXVILLE

Head coach: Jason Costello, 2nd season

2019 record: 4-5 PAC, 9-8 overall

Players to watch: Seniors Dylan New, LSM; Max Strunk, D; Ryan Harth, D; Ryan Gilleland, M; Matt Sims, M; Bryan Maguire, A; Andrew Carranti, A; Nolan Martin, G.

Outlook: The Phantoms look to be a rising team in the PAC with a reliable defense led by Susquehanna commit Dylan New and goalie Nolan Martin, a Post (Conn.) University commit. Vassar commit Ryan Gilleland and Marymount (Va.) commit Bryan McGuire will lead the attack. With 19 varsity returning players, Costello, who joined the Phantoms before the cancelled 2020 season, sees a well-balanced team that has its sights set on reaching “the district playoffs in May, and make a strong run for a state playoff berth.”

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Head coach: Matthew Bildstein, 2nd season

2019 record: 0-9 PAC, 1-14 overall

Players to watch: Seniors Kameryn Herpich-Hershaw, D; Ambrose Colliluori, A; Justin Kormos, LSM; Ben Cobaugh, D; Daniel Maine, G; Ethan O’Pake, D; Christopher Bruder, D. Junior Luke Sykes, M. Sophomores Eric Zadroga, M/A; Connor Gucwa, A; Shane Flynn, A.

Outlook: PJP went winless in the PAC in 2019 but it’s a new era under 2012 alum Matt Bildstein. “We’ve got a hungry group excited for the opportunity to compete this spring,” Bildstein said. “The kids have really shown up with a focus everyday ready to get better and ready to finally get back on the field after the covid shutdown last spring.” Kameryn Herpich-Hershaw, Ben Cobaugh and Justin Kormos will lead the defense while Ambrose Colliluori and Luke Sykes head the attack. PJP is hoping for key contributions from a promising sophomore class as well. “Our expectation is to compete to the best of our abilities no matter whom the opponent is,” Bildstein said.

POTTSGROVE

Head coach: Jason Gault, 4th season

2019 record: 1-8 PAC, 4-14 overall

Players to watch: Seniors Justin Wescoat, M; Colin Bradley, A. Juniors Maxwell Neeson, D; Tyler Kaufman, A.

Outlook: Despite the challenges of the past year, Pottsgrove head coach Jason Gault sees an upward trajectory with the Falcons. “We’re very happy with the progress the program is making, and are building a culture of hard work and commitment that translates to success on the field,” he said. Pottsgrove will look to the leadership of senior midfielder Justin Wescoat, a Hartford commit. PAC wins have been hard to come by for the Falcons in recent years, a trend they’ll hope also finds an upward trajectory this spring. “We appreciate all the hard work and dedication the boys are giving early in the season to help us keep growing,” Gault said.

SPRING-FORD

Head coach: Kevin Donnelly, 18th season

2019 record: 9-0 PAC, 14-6 overall, PAC champion, District 1-3A second round

Players to watch: Seniors Nick Teets, A; Corey Fiore, D; Joey Chillano, A; Joe Brogan, M; Aaron Judge, M; Matt Smith, G; Santi Sosa, D. Junior Christian Marchini, M.

Outlook: It took a cancelled season to halt the Fams’ dominance of the Pioneer Athletic Conference. The winners of nine straight PAC championships, Spring-Ford looks to pick up where it left off, but coach Kevin Donnelly is keenly aware of that challenge, even for the league’s premier program. “The biggest question for all teams this year is how the loss of last year will impact player development,” he said. “There is a lot of growth that occurs in each progressive year which these players missed. There will be a gap. How each team will overcome it will be the question.” The Rams have little carryover from the 2019 lineup except for senior attack and Monmouth commit Nick Teets, who may be the PAC’s top returning player. The expectations are always high for the Rams and maintaining the PAC title streak is something that will have motivated every player in the time away. “We are a very balanced team this year and will really rely on our players to play within our systems to create advantageous positions,” Donnelly said. There are few certainties this fall, but picking Spring-Ford to top the PAC and push for a PIAA playoff berth is the safest bet around.