FHSAA Season Preview District 9
Written by Lee Roggenburg on . Posted in Uncategorized.
This year the preview is being brought to you by the Lacrosse News Network Florida Classic. This fantastic event is schedule for February 27th and is headlined by the oldest rivalry in college sports, Cornell vs Hobart Men’s Lacrosse. The big game is flanked by Oxbridge vs Saint Andrews and Benjamin vs Lake Highland Prep.
Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out! Click here for tickets!
Winter Park is a team with the experience and talent to control this district but will be challenged by Hagerty.
They start with a great defensive unit anchored by a pair of three year starters. Nick Beattie in the goal and big Wil Indest (Jacksonville) at defense. On the other end of the field look for senior attackman Alex Greer to do plenty of scoring and senior FOGO Will Andrews to feed him plenty of possessions. Winter Park is one of the more historic programs in Central Florida. The Wildcats have been competing for State Championships since well before the FHSAA recognized the sport. As a result they have some great history with some of the other long term programs in town. If you can get out to see Winter Park take on Bishop More or Lake Brantley this year I would highly recommend it.
Hagerty is looking for lots of offense from speedster Grantie Porcher (Air Force) this season. Porcher is more than just a lightning fast middie, he has great IQ and is an excellent shooter. Defensively, Sam Wainman (defense) and Tanner Ward (goalie) are a pair that have plenty of big game experience.
As far as big games on the schedule head coach Frank Kurtz has one circled. “The Oviedo match up should speak for itself, as they are across the city from us and most of the kids have been playing with and/or against each other since they picked up sticks. This game has special personal meaning to me, as I played at Oviedo (Class of 2006) and I started my coaching career there (2013-14 School Year). That game will be played on 2 March at Sam Momary Stadium.”
But he knows that the District Championship will most likely go through the Winter Park Wildcats. “Anyone that has been around the game in the area for longer than a decade remembers a time when the Wildcats ran roughshod over the State. When I was a player, playing against Winter Park, was like how playing against LHP is now, they were THE team to beat; so again this game has special meeting as a Coach. Somehow, Winter Park was able to get into District IX after the final Districts were released from the FHSAA earlier this year so we have to play each other in a District Contest, which will occur on 15 March at Showalter Field at Larry Gergley Stadium.”
Oviedo could be the dark horse in this district. With the graduation of a fantastic senior class including Rylan Kortus and a coaching change we think this should be a rebuilding year although they are a defending district champion. Leading the team at midfield is Senior, Harrison Wiggins. Strong, athletic, and a solid leader. Also on the midfield look for junior Nathaniel Holder, and sophomores Dominic Madlang, and Delaney Way to have break out seasons. The Lions are young but talented on attack with junior, Joe Wessel and Ryker VanDeventer, along with Sophomores Max Davidson, Jack Streeter, and Jared Hadley.
Three senior defenders will play a huge role this year; Matthew Davis, Jake Hansen, and Chris Martin. Freshman LSM. Jared Kotar, is a ground ball machine and we look for that youngster to make some noise this season. In his first season at the helm Mikal Wessel is looking to create a team who works hard on and off the field for each other. “We are working hard to establish a culture of hard work and brotherhood.”
Trinity Prep welcomes a new coach this season as Kyle Hofstaedter takes over the Saints program. This team is both reeling from the loss of star player John Michael Night (Mercer) as well as finding inspiration from his struggle. “JM means so much to our program and he will definitely be a huge presence on this team. The guys are definitely working hard for him as they want to make proud.” Senior middie Adam Hale is going to be counted on to step up for the Saints this season. Hale is an excellent F/O middie in his own right, and he can score as well. Defensively, Nick Smith is a big presence. “Nick is a natural leader both on and off the field. He’s very vocal and understands what we want to do in our team defense and he relays that to our younger guys.”
The First Academy and Trinity Prep have always had a friendly rivalry. The two teams usually start the season playing each other and this year is a little more special than most. “This year will be special because we are trying to get as many students from both schools to attend to support John Michael.” That game takes place tonight at Trinity Prep.
Veteran coach Mark Ayad has taken on a rebuilding project at Lake Howell. The Silver Hawks have struggled as of late, going 3-14 in 2015, but Ayad has a core group of guys that he believes can help his program make some strides this season.
On defense look for senior Breven Dalsemer and junior Dylan Isaac to improve a defense that struggled last season. Senior goalie Adam Wing gets the start between the pipes. Senior attackman Cullen Reneski and sophomore middie Cameron McGee are the backbone of an offense that must be more effective this season. The Silver Hawks managed three goals or less in eleven games last season. Ayad knows that doesn’t change overnight. “We have to show people that Lake Howell is changing culture every day. We were a very strong program in the past and we have the ability to get back to that. Just have to put in the time.” His goals for the team this season are simple. “Get better, have fun, and work hard.” Things every lacrosse player should try to do everyday.
The International Community School enters it’s third year of competition. The Comets are led offensively by senior attackmen Reese Puckett and Luke Schionning and a pair midfielders, senior Josh Bowman and sophomore Zane Denslow. On the defensive side look for junior Conner DiMauro and senior goalie Ben Reid. Athough the program is only in it’s third year they have eleven seniors who have helped get the program off the ground. Head Coach Mark Schionning would like this season to be a memorable one for them. “One of our goals is to send our Seniors out with a winning record.”
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Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out! Click here for tickets!
Winter Park is a team with the experience and talent to control this district but will be challenged by Hagerty.
They start with a great defensive unit anchored by a pair of three year starters. Nick Beattie in the goal and big Wil Indest (Jacksonville) at defense. On the other end of the field look for senior attackman Alex Greer to do plenty of scoring and senior FOGO Will Andrews to feed him plenty of possessions. Winter Park is one of the more historic programs in Central Florida. The Wildcats have been competing for State Championships since well before the FHSAA recognized the sport. As a result they have some great history with some of the other long term programs in town. If you can get out to see Winter Park take on Bishop More or Lake Brantley this year I would highly recommend it.
Hagerty is looking for lots of offense from speedster Grantie Porcher (Air Force) this season. Porcher is more than just a lightning fast middie, he has great IQ and is an excellent shooter. Defensively, Sam Wainman (defense) and Tanner Ward (goalie) are a pair that have plenty of big game experience.
As far as big games on the schedule head coach Frank Kurtz has one circled. “The Oviedo match up should speak for itself, as they are across the city from us and most of the kids have been playing with and/or against each other since they picked up sticks. This game has special personal meaning to me, as I played at Oviedo (Class of 2006) and I started my coaching career there (2013-14 School Year). That game will be played on 2 March at Sam Momary Stadium.”
But he knows that the District Championship will most likely go through the Winter Park Wildcats. “Anyone that has been around the game in the area for longer than a decade remembers a time when the Wildcats ran roughshod over the State. When I was a player, playing against Winter Park, was like how playing against LHP is now, they were THE team to beat; so again this game has special meeting as a Coach. Somehow, Winter Park was able to get into District IX after the final Districts were released from the FHSAA earlier this year so we have to play each other in a District Contest, which will occur on 15 March at Showalter Field at Larry Gergley Stadium.”
Oviedo could be the dark horse in this district. With the graduation of a fantastic senior class including Rylan Kortus and a coaching change we think this should be a rebuilding year although they are a defending district champion. Leading the team at midfield is Senior, Harrison Wiggins. Strong, athletic, and a solid leader. Also on the midfield look for junior Nathaniel Holder, and sophomores Dominic Madlang, and Delaney Way to have break out seasons. The Lions are young but talented on attack with junior, Joe Wessel and Ryker VanDeventer, along with Sophomores Max Davidson, Jack Streeter, and Jared Hadley.
Three senior defenders will play a huge role this year; Matthew Davis, Jake Hansen, and Chris Martin. Freshman LSM. Jared Kotar, is a ground ball machine and we look for that youngster to make some noise this season. In his first season at the helm Mikal Wessel is looking to create a team who works hard on and off the field for each other. “We are working hard to establish a culture of hard work and brotherhood.”
Trinity Prep welcomes a new coach this season as Kyle Hofstaedter takes over the Saints program. This team is both reeling from the loss of star player John Michael Night (Mercer) as well as finding inspiration from his struggle. “JM means so much to our program and he will definitely be a huge presence on this team. The guys are definitely working hard for him as they want to make proud.” Senior middie Adam Hale is going to be counted on to step up for the Saints this season. Hale is an excellent F/O middie in his own right, and he can score as well. Defensively, Nick Smith is a big presence. “Nick is a natural leader both on and off the field. He’s very vocal and understands what we want to do in our team defense and he relays that to our younger guys.”
The First Academy and Trinity Prep have always had a friendly rivalry. The two teams usually start the season playing each other and this year is a little more special than most. “This year will be special because we are trying to get as many students from both schools to attend to support John Michael.” That game takes place tonight at Trinity Prep.
Veteran coach Mark Ayad has taken on a rebuilding project at Lake Howell. The Silver Hawks have struggled as of late, going 3-14 in 2015, but Ayad has a core group of guys that he believes can help his program make some strides this season.
On defense look for senior Breven Dalsemer and junior Dylan Isaac to improve a defense that struggled last season. Senior goalie Adam Wing gets the start between the pipes. Senior attackman Cullen Reneski and sophomore middie Cameron McGee are the backbone of an offense that must be more effective this season. The Silver Hawks managed three goals or less in eleven games last season. Ayad knows that doesn’t change overnight. “We have to show people that Lake Howell is changing culture every day. We were a very strong program in the past and we have the ability to get back to that. Just have to put in the time.” His goals for the team this season are simple. “Get better, have fun, and work hard.” Things every lacrosse player should try to do everyday.
The International Community School enters it’s third year of competition. The Comets are led offensively by senior attackmen Reese Puckett and Luke Schionning and a pair midfielders, senior Josh Bowman and sophomore Zane Denslow. On the defensive side look for junior Conner DiMauro and senior goalie Ben Reid. Athough the program is only in it’s third year they have eleven seniors who have helped get the program off the ground. Head Coach Mark Schionning would like this season to be a memorable one for them. “One of our goals is to send our Seniors out with a winning record.”
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