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The Fairfax Journal                  Tuesday, March 30, 1999

Robinson ready to repeat
by Michael Keegan, Journal Staff Writer
     Last year's boys lacrosse season was perhaps the most tightly contested ever in the 10-year history of the Northern Region.
     Langley fell one goal shy in the championship vs. Robinson. And Annandale, which was unbeatable in 1997, lost to the Rams by just 17-16 in the region semifinals.
     Expect another dogfight this year with several teams poised to grab the region trophy.
     Per usual, it's a safe bet to name Robinson the team to beat. The Rams have captured six region crowns, including four of the past six.
     Lake Braddock and Annandale are Robinson's toughest competition in the Patriot.
     W.T. Woodson, which has not lost a Concorde District game in that district's four-year history, has what it takes to take the title. But Oakton, which went 10-1 a year ago, losing only to Woodson, is capable of ending the Cavaliers' streak.
     Defending Liberty champ Langley could get a battle from McLean or Madison.
     And last year's National District champ Edison hopes it can improve upon its best season ever.

Liberty District
     Here is a preview of the Liberty District, with teams listed alphabetically:
  Fairfax is perhaps the youngest team in the district, Tim Yeun, a solid faceoff midfielder, is the Rebels' only senior.
     Fairfax went 8-6 last season and placed third in the Liberty.
     Yeun is joined at midfield by juniors Chris Yi and Chris Junior. Yi was named honorable mention all-region last season. Junior defenseman Eddie Jones, who coach Marty Joyner said, "is small but packs a punch" was also honorable mention.
     Junior attackman Colin Greata, who missed last season with an injury, is back to lead the offense. Junior Russ Lanford replaces george Greczmiel in goal. (Greczmiel made the team at University of Virginia).
  Langley, which came within one goal of winning its first region title last season, graduated nine starters.
     Senior attackman Jim Sbarra (39 goals, 17 assists) is the top player back. He's loined on attack by quick, aggressive junior Kent Martin (17g, 10a). He scored six goals ion the first two games.
     Senior Teb McCarty has moved up from second-line midfield. He's joined by three-sport athletes Robby Miller and Patrick Creedon.
     Junior Scott Gramm has moved to defense after playing midfield a year ago. Senior GrahamSmith, who gained some experience last season, is also on defense. Senior Andrew Bray will start in goal. He made 16 saves vs. Robinson in the season opener.
     "We're not as deep as we were last year," Brewer said. "Our bench is young, but it's talented.
  Lee returns a core of experienced players from last year's 3-8 squad who hope a young influx of players can help make it a contender.
     Returning starters senior Ted Koand and junior Eric Machi lead the attack. Junior Max Courington, who played second-line last year, is the most experienced midfielder.
     The defense is led by senior Tony Ridpath, a second-team all-region pick. Senior Justin Good and junior Kevin Burns will compete for time in goal.
     Coach Aaron Engley said the Lancers' offense is improved because of the addition of new assistant coach from Syracuse who brings a new offensive philosophy. Lee is 0-2 after losing 14-11 to Madison and in double overtime to Hayfield.
  Madison opened the season with a tough 8-7 loss to Herndon, but first-year coach Chad McRae does have optimism.
     Senior attackman Brian Gault leads the offense, which will try to use a run-and-gun style. He gets a boost from junior attackman Andrew Coleman, who missed much of last year with a knee injury.
     Coleman scored five goals last week vs. Lee.
     The defense is led by all-state wrestler Ryan Hutchison, who brings his intensity to the lacrosse team.
     Senior Danny DeDeo will take faceoffs on the first midfield line, Sophomore Grant Chalmers take draws on the second line.
     First-year Marshall coach Brian Siatkowski has one thing going for him – his team has nowhere to go but up. The Statemen has not won in two years.
     Siathkowski hopes to see improvement on offense with set plays and more structure. Midfielders Alex Bigelow and Boyy Rhatigan are expected to carry much of the burden on offense.
     The defense, led by senior John Cocke and Warren Underwood should be the strength of the team. Patrict Joria will play goalie.
     McLean returns 19 players from last year's 4-7 squad, giving the Highlanders one of the most experienced teams in the district.
     Senior Catesby Beck, the team's MVP in 1998, returns to lead the midfield. Senior Matt Mokey will take faceoffs and Terrence Cox is top attackman.
     Senior Alex Eliades, Jeff Graniti and Mike Farmer start on defense. Junior Andrew Phillips, who started some of last season, will share goalie duties with sophomore Nick Staal.

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