Groundwork Laid for
Future Lax Championship
Next spring's Huntington High School boy's junior varsity lacrosse team will have a hard time duplicating the 2010 squad's accomplishments. The Blue Devils compiled a 14-1 record and featured a roster so deep in talent that it wouldn't be surprising if a varsity championship isn't too far off in the future.
"This was a very hardworking group that came out ready to play every time," said head coach Anthony Troffa, who was assisted by Jimmy Creighton and Dave Wilson. "We carried over 40 players and each one stuck it out to the end."
Spencer Colwin led the attack with 33 goals. The offense was also powered by the strong play of P.J. Beach (13 goals, 13 assists) and Phil Cadorette (14 goals). "Time-after-time, P.J., Spencer and Phil were able to create offense and find each other on the field," Troffa said.
Tommy Mulligan (29 goals) enjoyed a breakout year at his midfield position and formed a potent one-two punch with Colwin. "Spencer and Tommy were our 'go-to' guys, with both having the capacity to score at will," Troffa said.
Jared Thorbourne also shined, tallying 16 goals and 10 assists. "Jared was an exceptional all-around player," Troffa said. Mike Rasco, T.J. Greenhill and Todd Colvin sparkled in the goal. "Mike did a great job until his season was cut short due to an injury," Troffa said. Greenhill and Colvin stepped into the void and were sensational down the stretch.
The Blue Devil midfield and defense units were also nothing short of superb as Brad Dwyer, Conner McCartney, John McCarthy, Mike Sullivan, Joe Straub and Brandon Fiordelisi swarmed all over the field and effectively put the clamps on opposing teams. "We won many games because of our defensive abilities, but people should not forget that games are not only won on offense," Troffa said. "These players were consistently able to shutdown other teams' best offensive players."
Huntington ran off five consecutive victories to open the season, outscoring its opponents 59-25 over that stretch. The spring's sixth game proved to be the only blemish in an otherwise remarkable year. Comsewogue nipped the Blue Devils, 7-6.
Huntington closed out the season with nine straight wins, compiling a lopsided scoring advantage during that span of 101-48. Looking back over the year, Troffa said that the Blue Devils' best games resulted in victories over Sayville (12-11) and Cold Spring Harbor (9-4). "We played four quarters of perfect lacrosse, offensively and defensively," Troffa said about the two games.
This was a team that performed the little things that win games exceedingly well. For example, Dwyer and John Vanderschuyt won a large majority of face-offs and Dwyer and McCartney proved adept at scooping up ground balls.
"Brad Dwyer, Brandon Fiordilisi and James Neary were the heart of the team," Troffa said. "There was never a time in which these players let up or stopped hustling. They are consistently among the hardest workers on the team."
Looking ahead to next spring, Troffa expects Vanderschuyt to be the team's top face-off man at midfield. "Chris Shoen, Mike Albini, Pat Wolber and Peter Goldsmith will form a solid attack," the coach said. "If Connor McCartney doesn't move up to varsity as a sophomore, he will continue to dominate on ground balls as our long-stick midfielder and close defenseman. Mark Curley, John Cimetta and Lareyton Williams will form a solid defense. Todd Colvin, who did a great job last year, will be our returning goalie. Vanderschuyt, Pat Reilly, John Mallouk and Josh Long will be our 'go-to' midfielders. They did excellent things this past season and as sophomores will be unstoppable."
With the spring season far off in the distance, the Troffa has plenty of time to enjoy the Blue Devils' 14-1 record. "It was an honor working with this team," he said.
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