Things noticed this week. The last week of the season included some really good games, however I am not going to start with that. I want to begin by saying how amazing the lacrosse community is. We all know the happened to the TC player and how devastating it was. Word is he is doing better everyday but still has a long road to recovery. Teams individually came together to support the player, his team, nd his family in communal support. Hawks, Legends, Madlax, and Next level joined for a picture in support of #00. Legends players taped #00 on their helmets in support. Banners and signs were hung on the field. The lacrosse community joined in solidarity for a fellow player. Well done players and coaches for taking a few moments to put play on the side burner for a fellow player.
This last week demonstrated good lacrosse and demonstrated that a team can show up or fall in the ranks through skill, mental toughness, and grit. At the top, any of the five teams is able to be champions (I know that only 4 make it). The notion that there is a dominant team way above everyone else is obsolete. Any game can go one way or the other. Growth through out the season in teams is apparent even for the teams at the bottom. Adversity and how teams deal with it can be seen directly on the field in player’s play and through coaching. At this age skill needs to be balanced with lacrosse IQ and a mindset to work through game/play situations.
Next Level vs. Annapolis Hawks This game was a battle between 2 teams that wanted a good win. Through out most of the game the play wasn’t up to caliber that we expect to see in both teams. Dropped balls, missed passes, and predictable play created a balanced game that was hard fought, but didn’t show apparent change in game play and style. The last quarter was different for both teams with fast play, limited mistakes, and heart. In the end the end it was the methotical, robotic, concise play that Hawks are used to playing that won the game for them. While this type of play for them is predictable in the end the lack of any mistakes and preciseness won the game. Great job by both teams during the seasons.
Legends vs. True Chesapeake Another great game. Both Legends and TC battled it out, with what at first seemed like it would end up like a one side match with TC taking a lead in the third. Legends, like always grinding it out to make it a tie game towards the end of the 4th. This game carried a lot of emotional weight especially for TC. TC and Legends matched up well both offensively and defensively. The difference between one team winning and the other losing was possession and not forcing the natural flow of the game. TC played well this season ending undefeated, however some of the wins were closer in goals than expected. Legends deserves all the credit and respect in the world. They played well this season. Ending tied for 4th with Next Level. Do they belong in the mix with the top teams? Absolutely, they are a top team. Do they need some work? Yes like many top teams do. Legends has consistently proven that they are not out of any game with any team. They are a fast , strong, and gritty team. Excited to see what the next chapter brings. Also, remember, Legends is a Club/Red team. Congratulations for repping the rec programs over the years. TC congrats on great season and great play.
FCA vs. Team 91 I guess we can call it a spoiler. A tale of two teams. FCA going 1-7 and Team 91 winning more games this season than the last 2. FCA has some thinking to do. Not sure where to start, but here are my thoughts. FCA has talented players, who never had a clearly defined role on the team. This could have been caused by adding to many new players, putting too much pressure on the stars to perform, and maybe lack of on field leadership. FCA will be fine down the road(?). It will be interesting to see how these players use this season to build upon not necessarily with skills , but mentally. How do you get 13 year olds to persevere with such a drastic slump. Team 91 played better then years past. They continue to improve and stay in games longer than normal. Was this win a statement win. Yes, It was. Even though FCA was not what they normally are, this win provides 91 with the end of season momentum they need to encourage more growth and development.
Predators vs. Madlax As expected Madlax won a lot to a little. All I can say is Preds got a taste of elite lacrosse this season. Do they deserve to be in this division? Yes because they were #1 last year in triple A. Did they see a huge difference in play from AAA? Yes. Preds can now learn from this season and make adjustments as needed. Madlax played well. The gap they had from previous seasons is gone. Easy wins are minimal and even gone. How can they improve from a predictable and successful system they run? Only time will tell as players learn to use their lacrosse IQ over physical skill.
Not picking a winner for the playoffs. Great season of lacrosse! Excited to see what the tournaments show us this summer.
I appreciate your week to week updates, but why the detest on FCA all season long?
For clarity, FCA only added 4 new field players and 1 new goalie. Injuries were the story of the season and yes are part of the game. This season of adversity has been challenging, but I assure you my son (FCA player) has learned life lessons from it. Expect the unexpected in life. They are binding together and not listening to outside noise. Long term hopefully it makes them strong for 8th grade season. Sounds like they will be without their top two midfielders for some of the summer.
Roles are definitely clearly defined, however shuffling positions from week to week with the "next man up mentality" is challenging for sure. FCA played Team 91 with a total of 3 midfielders and had 2 defenders and 2 attackmen running midfield. I think most teams in the elite division would look drastically different under similar circumstances.
Again, not an excuse in any way, but don't try to change the narrative as an FCA hater.
Stop being so sensitive! The guy that does these updates is extremely fair and gives constructive feedback on what he sees. It is a breath of fresh air on this otherwise toxic board. If he was a hater he might have said FCA really looked like a AAA level team when they lost their student ATT holdback to age verification.
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