Brandon Fortier, former standout player for Eastside lacrosse club and Whittier College and current HS coach, writes the popular Weekly HS Beat for Boys HS lacrosse during the season.

Division Two- Preseason Outlook

            Boy�s lacrosse in Division II will be more exciting than ever in 2003.  This division emulates the growth of lacrosse here in Washington.  Combining 2002�s Division II and Division III as well as 3 new teams, Division II is now stacked with 15 teams split into 3 conferences Unlike Division I, there is no clear cut favorite. The action should be intense with 3 conference titles and 8 playoff spots up for grabs.  2002 Division II champions Panthers LC has moved on to Division I meaning one thing is certain: A new champion will be crowned in 2003!

            PRESEASON ALL-DIVISION II

TEAM PREVIEWS (IN PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH)

OLYMPIC CONFERENCE

1. Team: Curtis Vikings

Colors: Royal Blue, Black & White

Coach: Jamie Gregerson

2002 Finish: 12-0, Division III State Champions

Key Players Lost: A-Mike Anderson, D-Jeff Roark

Key Returners:  A-Tom Gibbon, D-Sean Bobadilla, G-Nick Konopick, M-Mike Martin

Outlook: Curtis may be moving up a division, but don�t expect that to derail the Vikings.  They did lose half of their scoring punch in Mike Anderson, however, Curtis still returns a solid gore including solid starters at every position.  Gibbon notched 55 goals and 20 assists in �02 has potential to be the top attackman in Division II. 

            Curtis may also benefit from being in a conference with two new teams as well as a team that went 1-11 a year ago.  Playoffs should be a lock, but it remains to be seen how they will fare against �02 Division II playoff teams.  A midseason match-up with Eastside will go a long way to answering those questions.

2. Team: Vashon Vultures

Colors: Green, Black & Yellow

Coach: Charley Rosenberry                              Assistant: Tyler Nielsen

2002 Finish: 1-11,  Tied 7^th place DII

Key Players Lost:

Key Returners: D-Michael Hall, A-Dane Loraas, G- Eli Steffen

Outlook:  Vashon fell on hard times in 2002 finishing 1-11.  No place to go but up and the future looks bright on the Island.  Vashon has 30 players out this spring, although half are newcomers (freshman or rookies).   The playoffs are certainly within reach.  Look for Vashon to be much improved in 2003.

All-DII defenseman Michael Hall and senior netminder Eli Steffen return to anchor the defense. The midfield should be solid with four seniors running the show: Nathan Green, Ashton Kelly, Tyrel Stendahl and Nate Dietz.  If 2002 All-DII performer Ben Sommers can make it back from an injury, the group will be even more potent.   On attack, sophomore sensation Dane Loraas is back after earning All-DII honors as a freshman

3. Team: Kitsap Wolves

Colors: Maroon & Gold

Coach: Dan Zelazek                            

2002 Finish: 2-8, 7^th  place DIII

Key Players Lost: Klahowya attendees

Key Returners: M-Victor Rybachuk, M-Justen Pettigrew, D-Rob Novolrosky

Outlook:  A new mascot, new colors, a new coach, but not entirely a new team- many changes for Kitsap in 2003.  The Wolves lost several players to the expansion of the new team at Klahowya.  Coach Zelazek takes over a squad full of rookies, but does have some returning talent to work with.  Victor Rybachcuk will be a huge key.  The Wolves are happy to return the 1^nd team All-DIII midfielder.

4. Team:  Klahowya Eagles

Colors: Gray, Green & Black

Coach: Rob Hawley                                         Assistant: Rich Kroll                            

2002 Finish: N/A new team in 2003

Key Players Lost: N/A

Key Players: KC Rolle, Brian Kroll

Outlook:  Coach Hawley works with his 3^rd team in 4 years.  It is a sure bet he will have his squad disciplined and ready to play.  �We have a core of returnees from Klahowya, Central Kitsap and Olympic (that played for Kitsap in �02) as well as a crop of excited Eagle recruits.�  -Coach Hawley

5. Team: North Kitsap

Colors:  Navy Blue & Gold

Coach: Brian O�Connor                                    Assistant: Chuck Power                                   

2002 Finish: N/A new team in 2003

Key Players Lost: N/A

Key Players: M-Adam Salazar, D-Joe Spear, M-Wes Power, M/A-Stefan Bennet

Outlook:  Another new team in 2003 as lacrosse is spreading throughout the Kitsap Peninsula.  The conference is full of �newbies� which bodes well for North Kitsap and their chances of earning some quality wins in their inaugural season.

METRO CONFERENCE

1. Team: Bainbridge Spartans

Colors: Athletic Gold, Royal Blue & White

Coach: Kii Yette                                  

2002 Finish: 12-2, 2^nd place DII

Key Players Lost: A-Trevor Charles

Key Returners: A-Neal Bateman, A-Harry Langhor, M-Cody Bludorn, D-Nick Blakey, G-Kevin Wilson, D-Aaron Olanie

Outlook:  As is true with any Bainbridge lacrosse program, the Spartans are loaded.  One of their top attackamn, Trevor Charles, has moved up and on to the DI team, but essentially everyone else is back from a team that made the DII finals a year ago.  The Spartans should certainly be considered an early favorite to make it back.  Only other team in Division II to beat Bainbridge is Eastside.

2. Team: Garfield Bulldogs

Colors: Purple, Black & White

Coach: Chris Honeycutt                        Assistants: Kristian Erickson, Stefan Merken                            

2002 Finish: 4-6, 5^th place DIII

Key Players Lost: NONE

Key Returners: D-Chris Moore, Tyler Swartz, Aaron Merken, Shane Moriarty

Outlook:  Garfield came on strong at the end of 2002 and the Bulldogs are primed to make a playoff push in 2003.  Further helping their cause is the addition of several freshman who arrive from a very talented middle school team on Queen Anne, including the long awaited high school debut of Drew Snider.  Like Snider, many of these players have just as much, if not more, experience than Garfield�s 2002 squad.  The team will be lead by 2^nd team All-D3 defender Chris Moore and 2002 leading scorer Tyler Swartz. 

            The Metro Conference is strong as 4 teams have a legitimate shot to make the playoffs.  Look for Garfield to be in this mix and at the very least secure a wild card berth. 

3.   Team: Roughriders LC

Colors: Green, Vegas Gold & White

Coach: Scott McFarlane                                   Assistant: Todd McGuire

2002 Finish: 6-7, 5^th place DII

Key Players Lost:

Key Returners: D-Kurt Preuss, D-Rick Martell Scott, G-Tony Maack, M-Jacob Homchick

Outlook:  After a slow start in 2002, a young Roughrider squad actually had a shot of making the playoffs near the end.  The talent is back in 2003. Defensively the Roughriders are stacked as they return 1^st team All-DII defenseman, Kurt Preuss, Honarable Mention All-DII, Rick Martell-Scott and a solid goalie in Tony Maack.  They will certainly need to find a little more offensive punch.  Leading the way will be midfielder Jacob Homchick..

            Roughriders should grab at least a wild card berth.  If they can find some offensive rhythm, look for them to push for the 2^nd spot.

4. Team:  Franklin Quakers

Colors: Black, Green & White

Coach: Loy Kalepo                                          Assistants:Jeremy Kennedy, Jake Libaire                                 

2002 Finish: 7-8, 4^th place DII

Key Players Lost: G-Hal Glade, D-Sylvester Crumwell, M-Spencer Haywood,

Key Returners: A-Quincy Andrada, M-Aldrin Pano, A-Sean Ilong, G-Nick Morton, D-Sean Liggins

Outlook:  Even with the loss of coach Web Hutchins, Franklin hopes to continue its winning tradition with new head coach Loy Kalepo. Quakers lost their best players at 3 positions.  Haywood and Glade were big losses as team was much different without them in the line-up.  Quakers still hope to rely on a very experienced offense and Nick Morton to keep the nets clean for the Quakers.  A bit of a rebuilding year for Franklin., but the Quakers have long been in the mix in DII. Look for them to push for a wild card berth.

5. Team: Mt. Rainier

Colors:  Black, Blue & White

Coach: Mark Benendum                                  

2002 Finish: 1-9, 8^th place DIII

Key Players Lost: A-Siona Sia

Key Players: A-Casey Desmond

Outlook:  After a rocky inaugural season in 2002, 2003 looks to be much more organized for Mt. Rainier.  A new coach and a new attitude should provide a fresh look and hopefully a few more wins.  However, they did lose their only true scoring threat in Siona Sia.  With less than 15 guys out and playing in possibly the toughest conference, the playoffs look out of reach. 

INLAND-NORTH CONFERENCE

1.   Team: Eastside Ravens

Colors: Black, Red & White

Coach: Nate Byrd

2002 Finish: 7-6, 3^rd Place DII

Key Players Lost: M-Scott McCann, D-Joe Aebischer, M-Shon Smith, M-Brett Sack

Key Returners:  A-Jack Andrews, D-Jayme McClean, G-Erik Yaap, M-James Anderson, A-Ian Lee

Outlook: Eastside was the only other team besides Panthers LC to knock off Bainbridge a year ago.  After a bit of a coaching carousel in the off-season, Nate Byrd has stepped in to lead a group that should be considered a favorite in DII.

            The Ravens return three All-DII performers in attackman Jack Andrews (1^st Team), defensman Jayme McClean (2^nd Team) and goalie Erik Yaap (Honorable Mention).

Also an All-Kingco wrestler, junior Jack Andrews is a beast and has potential to be the best attackman in the league.  The midfield took a big hit losing two to graduation and one to relocation, but sophomore James Anderson is ready to lead the charge. 

            Playoffs should be a lock for Eastside.  Look for them to contend for a spot in the finals.

2.   Team: Overlake Owls

Colors: Green, White & Yellow

Coach: Henry Valentine                                    Assistant: Matt Buffaloe                                   

2002 Finish: 0-14, 8^th place D1

Key Players Lost: M-Jake Dedoyard, M-Broderick Smith

Key Returners: M-Kirk Thorson, A-Charlie Kenyon, M-Henry Quehrn

Outlook:  Coach Valentine takes over a squad that simply got overwhelmed in 2002.  The Owls were very young and couldn�t keep up.  The DI experience should pay off in 2003 though as they look to nest in their new home in DII. 

            Overlake is still young, but not without talent.  Attackman Charlie Kenyon should be one of the best and the speedy Kirk Thorson should provide some punch at the midfield.  They will certainly need to fill some defensive holes.  Last year, Overlake gave up a ton of goals.

            D1 experience should keep the Owls fighting all year and with wins will come confidence.  With confidence comes more wins and more wins means playoffs.  Look for Overlake to be there come season�s end. 

3.   Team: Issaquah

Colors: Purple, Athletic Gold & White

Coach: Brandon Fortier                                    Assistants: Jordan Bayly, Hiram Burke

2002 Finish: 8-4, 2nd place DIII

Key Players Lost: G-Zach Grote, D-Ben Cohen

Key Returners: A-John Harty, M-Chris Hutchinson, A-Jon Matusiefsky, M-Nick Tierney, D-Sean MacDonald

Outlook:  A solid season #1 for the Purple & Gold as Issaquah lost in the DIII final.  Success helped the program grow and although only 18 of 27 return from the original squad, 44 kids are out this spring.  Eight of ten starters are back to make a push in DII for 2003. 

Issaquah will have to find a way to shore up the defense after losing top defender Ben Cohen and 1^st Team All-DIII goalie, Zach Grote.  Sophomore Dustin Cramer made the switch to defense midway last season and is coming into his own.  Senior Sean MacDonal will also play a key role on D.  Sophomore Nick Tierney has moved to the midfield strengthening a unit that already includes All-DIII performers Chris Hutchinson (1^st Team) and Frans Leenstra (2^nd Team).  Two more All-DIII players are back at attack in John Harty (1^st Team) and Jon Matusiefsky (2^nd Team).

Inland-North will be tough, but look for Issaquah to at least earn a wild card berth.

4.   Team:  Snohomish Titans

Colors: Navy Blue & Gold

Coach: Doug Roulstone                                   

2002 Finish: 6-5, 4^th place DIII

Key Players Lost: G- Matt Sigurdson

Key Returners: D-Whit Roulstone, A-John Healy, D-Matt Farnham, 

Outlook:  The Titans did well in their first year and return almost everyone from that squad.  However, they are currently without a true coach, so parent Doug Roulstone fills the shoes and senior captain Whit Roulstone will serve as player/coach.

            Snohomish is load defensively with D1 football prospects Roulstone and Matt Farnham covering the turf.  The Titans did lose their starting goalie though and must find a replacement.  Offensively, attackman John Healy has put in a ton of time during the summer and indoors and is ready to prove himself at the DII level.  He should get help from freshman attackman Harrison Roulstone as well as midfielder Ertl.

            Look for Snohomish to battle Overlake and Issaquah for a wild card berth.

5.   Team: Mukilteo

Coach: Nate Lazenga                                       Assistant: Dan Alexander                     

2002 Finish: N/A new team in 2003

Key Players Lost: N/A

Key Players: ALL NEW

Outlook:  13 players out (many are hockey players) for yet another new team here in Washington.  Low numbers and tough conference will make it tough for Mukilteo to make a run.  However, several of their players gained valuable experience playing indoors in the fall and winter, so, look for them to surprise.

NEXT WEEK:  First week results and recap!