FLN decided to experiment with this game preview and asked a few local experts who have seen both teams multiple times this year to collaborate on a preview that will read a little different from those that Senior Writer Lee Roggenburg might prepare.  We asked our collaborators to think more like a scout and come up with some observations that go beyond the normal records, head to head matchups, etc. to give the readers (and those who attend the game), something to look for in the game ahead.  We hope you like this approach and when we get further along in the playoffs we will try again to prepare a few game previews in the same manner!  The Oxbridge-Wellington game will also be handled the same way.  We specifically asked the panel to not pick a winner to differentiate this approach.   When Benjamin has the ball: Benjamin offensively is very smooth and balanced. They don’t rely on any one player to put up big numbers to be successful. A lot of their success comes through the balance between the attack and midfield scoring and their ability to create off-ball. Benjamin is one of the best offensive off-ball teams in the state. They are actively moving, making it difficult for the other team’s defense to get into a rhythm. In our opinion, the one player that makes this team go offensively is McKenna Johnston. He seems to be the vocal leader of the group and not many players that we have seen this year play harder than him. He is great between the lines and does a great job of drawing that first slide. McKenna may not be that guy who shows up in the box score with big numbers, but you always feel his presence on the field. The difficulty with covering Benjamin’s midfield is now that you will most likely pole Johnston how do you handle Colin O’Hare? Colin O’Hare has done a great job of exploiting his short stick match ups. He doesn’t try and do too much when he has the ball, he continues to draw a slide and give the offense great situations on the back side. Nicklaus and O’Leary have stepped in and done a great job to help fill out that midfield. Jensen Beach will have their hands full covering a prolific offense like Benjamin, but they do have the personnel to do so. In the past Jensen Beach has done a nice job of mixing in some zone defense along with their standard man to man defense. Mixing up defenses could keep the Benjamin offense on tilt and allow Jensen Beach to control the tempo of the game. Jensen Beach will need a big game out of goaltender Austin Brodie, who is more than capable of putting up a big performance. Jensen has only allowed double digits once this whole season. If they can get 15+ saves from Brodie and control the tempo of the game, Jensen will be within striking distance in the 4th quarter.   When Jensen Beach has the ball: Jensen Beach is one of the more athletic groups that teams have faced all year. They seem to run 8 or 9 midfielders who are all interchangeable and who can all play both sides of the ball. Their depth across the midfield could cause fits for Benjamin’s midfield, which only seems to play 6 or 7. Beau Ladwig will lead the way for Jensen’s midfield. Ladwig is a big, physical presence who has been the cornerstone for Jensen all year. Completing that midfield is Mason Harris and Ryan Gallaher. Jensen not only has depth at the midfield, but they also have seniors. Ladwig, Harris, and Gallaher are all more than capable dodgers that will lean on their 4 years of experience under Coach Sofarelli. Winning the middle of the field could be the deciding factor in the game. On attack Jared Welsh is the best of the bunch. Welsh is a high IQ and skilled player that plays nicely inside the Jensen system. Much of Benjamin’s success over the past few seasons has come from the defensive side of the ball. They are anchored by 4 seniors that have all had great careers. O’Connor, Dorsett, Borislow, and Cicio have been staples at Benjamin for the past few seasons. Like Jensen, they have only allowed double digits to 1 in-state team (LHP). Benjamin’s defense will look to push the tempo and take Jensen Beach out of their comfort zone. If Benjamin can stay out of the penalty box, it will go a long way towards moving on.   X-FACTORS: Jensen Beach – Wyatt Weissman – One of the best FOGO’s in the state. If he gets hot it could allow for Jensen to control the tempo of what could be a low scoring game. Benjamin – Seniors – Benjamin is on a mission to get back to the Final 4. The current seniors play a vital role on this team and know what it takes to get back.