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THE WEEKLY BEAT� by Brandon Fortier
DIVISION II Preview:
2003 finalists Eastside and Curtis have been promoted to the ranks of
Division I, three new teams have been established in Tacoma, Eastlake and
San Juan, and league rules no longer allow for a program to have two varsity
programs meaning Bainbridge "B" no longer exists. What does it all mean? It
means Division II will still have 15 teams split into 3 conferences with
wildcards and an 8-team playoff. Despite the same structure, Division II
certainly has a new look. Geography and status of each program were taken
into consideration in determining the new alignment.
Curtis has moved on, but holdovers Klahowya, North Kitsap, Kitsap and
Vashon will be joined by the newly formed Tacoma Dragons in the one
conference that keeps its name, the Olympic Conference. With Curtis out of
the picture, a new conference champion will be crowned. Klahowya could be
the favorite as it returns the most from a year ago. Kitsap made playoffs a
year ago and should challenge for a spot again. Vashon was hit hard by
graduation, but expect them to be in the mix as well.
After the alignment shake-up, the Metro Conference changed names and is
now coined the Evergreen Conference. The change was much in part to the fact
that the two new teams in the conference (Issaquah and Snohomish) are not
truly "metro". Word has already spread that this appears to be the toughest
conference. Issaquah, Garfield and Roughriders all made playoffs a year ago
and all return the majority of their respective teams. The Evergreen
Conference should almost certainly produce 3 playoff teams. Cross-conference
games will become even more important as surviving the conference schedule
will be tough. Snohomish should also be very competitive but may find it a
tough task to place ahead of the before mentioned three. Franklin will round
out the Evergreen Conference.
The Inland-North has now become the Pacific Conference and geographically
it is certainly the most spread of the three. Teams will be traveling from
Des Moines to Redmond to Friday Harbor to complete their conference
schedule. Overlake will be a huge favorite in the conference as it is the
only club with more than two years in existence. Mukilteo has a good shot at
making its first ever playoff appearance as a 2nd year club, but
must contend with Mt. Rainier and the other two new clubs, San Juan and
Eastlake, in addition to Overlake. San Juan should be competitive as the
club actually formed a year ago, but played a JV schedule in its first year
of existence. Several players on Eastlake also have experience as the new
team is a branch from the conglomerate Eastside program.
TEAM PREVIEWS
OLYMPIC CONFERENCE
(In Order of Predicted Finish)
TEAM: Klahowya Eagles
COLORS: Gray, Black and Green
2003 RECORD: 3-7
KEY PLAYERS LOST: None
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Ryan McFadden, Junior, Attack
(24G/4A), Scott Hallett, Senior, Midfield (11G/6A), Dan Gardner, Junior,
Defense
2004 OUTLOOK:
The Eagles did not meet their prime goal of being a playoff team last
season, primarily due to the inability to beat in conference rival and
"brother" team South Kitsap. With most of the squad returning in 2004,
Klahowya looks to make a run for both the playoffs and who knows after that.
This team features a large group of players who joined Coach Hawley and
Coach Kroll 4 springs ago on the peninsula as the "KitsapPioneers"...hopefully
this will be a memorable season for them. Courtesy of Rob Hawley
TEAM: Kitsap Wolves
COLORS: Maroon, Gold and Black
2003 RECORD: 5-5
KEY PLAYERS LOST: JD Elquist,
Attack (6G/5A), Rob Novorolsky Attack/Defense (30G/16A), Chris Smith,
Defense
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Victor Rybachuk, Senior, Midfield
(22G/6A)
2004 OUTLOOK:
Kitsap snuck into the playoffs a
year ago, but the Wolves should be a favorite to make playoffs in �04. Jeff
Canvar returns after an injury plagued �03 season. Jared Pettigrew will move
to attack and hopes to compliment Kitsap�s main offensive force, Victor
Rybachuk. "Lost key players, but many other players have another year of
experience under their belts. We may be a more evenly strength team.
A first year team last year we made it to the playoffs, we have set the bar
higher this year." -Coach Zelazek
TEAM: Vashon Lacrosse Club
COLORS: Black, Gold and Green
2003 RECORD: 9-3
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Ben Sommers,
Midfield (22G/7A), Michael Hall, Defense, Eli Steffen, Goalie
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Dane Loraas, Junior, Attack
(27G/22A), Alex Craighead, Junior, Attack (21G/8A)
2004 OUTLOOK:
A solid core of seniors pushed
Vashon all the way to the semi-finals a year ago. It might be a stretch for
them to make a return trip. However, they should still have a solid shot at
the playoffs benefiting from Curtis� move to Division I. "Vashon lost a
solid group of seniors at every position except attack. Vashon will depend
mostly on freshmen and sophomores, a few juniors and one senior. Vashon will
still have enough talent and spirit to field a competitive team."
�Coach Rosenberry
TEAM: Tacoma Dragons
COLORS: Orange and White
2003 RECORD: N/A- New Team in �04
KEY PLAYERS LOST: N/A- New Team
in �04
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Kevin Rose, Senior, Midfield, Rob
Fralic, Senior, Midfield, Phil Bodien, Sophomore, Defense
2004 OUTLOOK:
"Our roster consists of about 10
freshmen, 10 seniors, and just a few in between (only five players having
any prior lacrosse experience). With a hard work ethic and a desire to
learn, the Tacoma Dragons will be a competitive team this season." -Coach
Thorpe
TEAM: North Kitsap Vikings
COLORS: Navy Blue and White
2003 RECORD: 0-10
KEY PLAYERS LOST: None
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
UNAVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME
2004 OUTLOOK:
Vikings looking to improve on an
0-10 season a year ago.
EVERGREEN CONFERENCE
TEAM: Issaquah Lacrosse Club
COLORS: Purple, Athletic Gold,
White
2003 RECORD: 8-4
KEY PLAYERS LOST: John Harty,
Attack (39G/13A)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Nick Tierney, Junior, Midfield
(19G/12A, Chris Hutchinson, Junior, Midfield (15G/10A), Jon Matusiefsky,
Junior, Attack (22G/22A), Dustin Cramer, Junior, Defense (39 GB), Mike
Gerrard, Sophomore, Defense (27 GB)
2004 OUTLOOK:
Issaquah finished the �03 season
strong coming only moments away from reaching the final. Replacing John
Harty and his 50+ points will be tough, but a relatively young team looks to
pick up where they left off. Several players spent the summer at camps and
all-star tourneys and are ready to take their game to the next level.
Issaquah has lined up several tough non-league games in preparation to make
a run at the DII championship.
TEAM: Garfield Bulldogs
COLORS: Purple and White
2003 RECORD: 7-4
KEY PLAYERS LOST: None
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Drew Snider, Sophomore, Midfield
(14G/7A), Shane Moriarty, Junior, Midfield (7G/5A)
Ethan Folk, Junior, Attack
(8G/4A), Chris Moore, Senior, Defense
2004 OUTLOOK:
Bulldogs are hungry and excited
about their chances to go much deeper in the playoffs in �04 after a
quartfinal loss to Vashon a year ago. Garfield returns a solid core and are
very strong defensively. If the youth on offense can step up, look for the
Buuldogs to make a run at the DII title.
TEAM: Roughriders Lacrosse
Club
COLORS: Green and Gold
2003 RECORD: 8-3
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Peter Bruckner,
Attack (33 GB), Sam Harlow, Attack (30 GB), Tom Bobo, Midfield (27 GB)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Derek Mills, Junior, Midfield
(100 GB), Rick Martell-Scott, Senior, Defense/LSM (52 GB), Danny Feeman,
Senior, Defense (33 GB), Kurt Preuss, Senior, Defense, Tony Maack,Senior,
Goalie (.761% Saves)
2004 OUTLOOK:
A playoff favorite, the
Roughriders return almost everyone and Division II�s best defensive unit
will look to carry them even further in �04. "Defense remains the
Roughriders� strength, with All-State and potential All State players in
every position. Tony Maack returns for his fourth year in goal and is
surrounded by talent on all sides. Rick Martell-Scott, Danny Feeman and
Nathan Vandergrift are rejoined by a healthy Kurt Preuss to start 2004. The
defense improved its 5.5 goals against average in 2002 to a 3.4 goals
against average in 2003. Can the D lower the average again in 2004? Midfield
and attack are anchored by Derek Mills (All-State in 03). A healthy Jacob
Homchick is also expected to return in 2004 after missing 2003. The
Roughriders plan to be that team in the showdown for the championship."
�Mark Preuss
TEAM:Snohomish Panthers
COLORS:White ,Black,Red
2003 RECORD: 4-6
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Whit Roulstone,
Defense
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Matt Farnum, Senior, Defense,
Mike Mayer, Senior, Defense, Jon Ertl, Senior, Midfield (4G/8A)
2004 OUTLOOK:
The former "Titans", Snohomish
has garnered more support from their school and have taken on the school
colors and mascot. New coach Ken Hopkins seems to have things in order. The
Panthers return talent on both ends of the field, but playing in Evergreen
Conference will make it tough to reach the playoffs.
"With a new perspective on the aspects of the game and a closer
affiliation with Snohomish High School the new Panthers are looking forward
to an exciting season. Strong commitment from the players and there families
will make this a season to look forward to. Look forward to an exciting
season"
�Coach Hopkins.
TEAM: Franklin Quakers
COLORS: Black, Green and White
2003 RECORD: 2-8
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Heng Lim,
Attack (12G/3A), Daniel Dawe, Attack/Midfield (8G/3A)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Wing Wong, Senior, Attack
(13G/3A), Nick Morton, Senior, Goal
2004 OUTLOOK:
Franklin is looking to get back
to the playoffs after an absence a year ago. They find themselves in a tough
spot playing in what might be the toughest conference in Division II. "After
a frustrating a learning season last year, due to a number of injuries on
both sides of the ball, the 2004 season will mark the return for a couple of
key players. Manny D., who is back from a knee injury, will try and help
Alex L. and Danny H. man the defensive side of things, while Nick M. tries
to keep the nets clean. On midfield Wing W. will lead with the help of
Jeremy H. who will hopefully have a break out season this year? So with a
bulk of new players and old, Franklin is ready to make a charge back into
the playoffs" -Coach Kalepo.
PACIFIC CONFERENCE
TEAM: Overlake Owls
COLORS: Green, White and Yellow
2003 RECORD:2-8
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Kirk Thorson,
Midfield (13G/7A)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Charlie Kenyon, Senior, Attack
(34G/18A), Mike Vascovitz, Sophomore, Midfield (10G/9A)
2004 OUTLOOK:
"Overlake is excited to have 4
returning seniors and 6 returning juniors, including All-State co-captain
Charlie Kenyon. The Owls will be leaning heavily on him for his offensive
prowess (he was fifth in points in the state last season with 34 goals and
18 assists) and his leadership. At mid-field returning co-captain Ben
Buchwalter will be complemented by an enthusiastic and energized group of
mid-fielders. Overlake has high expectations for our returning core
defensemen. Overlake is extremely excited about our large incoming freshmen
class as it is the largest class we�ve seen for some time which is proof
that our middle school program is getting the job done!"
-courtesy of Coach Valentine
TEAM: Mukilteo Mojo
COLORS: Red and White
2003 RECORD: 0-10
KEY PLAYERS LOST: None
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Reid Anderson, Russ Chiupka
2004 OUTLOOK:
Now known as the "Mojo", Mukilteo
is looking to improve on an 0-10 �03 season. Crop of players with a good
year�s experience under their belt and placed in a new conference with
several other inexperienced clubs should have Mukilteo confident of their
playoff chances.
TEAM: San Juan Island Dragons
COLORS: Green, Gold and White
2003 RECORD: 6-1 (as JV Squad)
KEY PLAYERS LOST: Taylor Stimpson-D,
Team Captain
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Peter Dalton, Midfield, Britt
Banry, Goal
2004 OUTLOOK:
San Juan enters the 2004 season
as a full varsity program. Coaches Brendan Cowan and Christian Folk were
recently awarded as Most Innovative Youth Coaches by US Lacrosse. It
is very apparent they have a good thing going up in the Islands. "Hoping
to make a successful jump to a varsity program from JV. Core group of
returning players will be mixed with a handful of guys brand new to the
sport. Cautiously optimistic that we can build on what we started last year,
but a number of questions out there as to how the Dragons will respond to a
higher level of play. Only time will tell." -Coach Cowan
TEAM: Mt. Rainier Lacrosse
Club
COLORS: Black, Blue, White
2003 RECORD: 1-9
KEY PLAYERS LOST: None
PLAYERS TO WATCH: (�03
statistics)
Casey Desmond, Attack , Chris
Joseph, Goal, Brent Needham, Defense
2004 OUTLOOK:
"We have 16 players turning out
with gear which is a big step up from last year. We look to be more
competitive with a more experienced roster of 11 returning players." -Coach
Benedum
TEAM: Eastlake Lacrosse Club
COLORS: White, Green, Maroon, and
Black
2003 RECORD: N/A-New Team in �04
KEY PLAYERS LOST: N/A-New team in
�04
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
JR deRaoulx, Sophomore, Attack
2004 OUTLOOK:
Any first year program usually
spends a season going through growing pains. Eastlake will be no different.
They will benefit however from a conference that includes three other
programs still relatively green in San Juan, Mukilteo and Mt. Rainier. "A
young new team full of enthusiasm and untested optimism. Has the potential
of becoming overachievers. Will be lead by a core of juniors and sophomores
eager to prove their mettle on the lacrosse field." -Coach deRaoulx
2004 Preseason All-Division II
GAMES TO WATCH:
(Week of March 15-20)
3/16 Maple Valley @ Eastside� How will Eastside
fare in its first game back in Division I since 2001. Vandals remember an OT
loss to the Ravens a year ago!
3/17 Garfield @ Vashon� Good early season
match-up in DII between �03 playoff teams. Bulldogs hungry for revenge!
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