Public schools
Aberdeen Eagles
1998 record: 2-10
Coach: Michael O'Brien
Top players: Joe Bender, Jr., A; Paul Blair, Sr., G; Chris D'Amico, Sr., A; Rudi Ferguson, Jr., D; Matt Goodwin, Sr., D; Dan Robertson, Jr., M.
Outlook: First-year coach O'Brien has seen a noticeable increase in the Eagles' level of play in practice, which he hopes carries over to game action. D'Amico, Bender and Robertson are capable scorers, but all must contribute defensively.
Bel Air Bobcats
1998 record: 7-5
Coach: Andrew Cassilly
Top players: Jason Kemper, Sr., M; Joey Madda, Sr., M; Pat Rose, Sr., A; Derek Sharph, Sr., A.
Outlook: After a transition season in 1998, the Bobcats are on steadier ground. The attack is generated around the midfielders, particularly Madda, who had 43 goals last season and has better help.
C. Milton Wright Mustangs
1998 record: 10-6
Coach: Andrew Gerard
Top players: Scott Jankowiak, Jr., M; Eric Kuehn, Sr., A; Josh Maphis, Sr., M; Tom Parr, Sr., D; Mike Sedlak, Sr., A.
Outlook: Kuehn (34 goals, 20 assists) and Sedlak (12 goals, 20 assists) lead a potent attack that could be boosted by a midfield with several players from last season's unbeaten JV team. Parr anchors a revamped defense. The upgrade in speed makes the Mustangs a county-title contender.
Edgewood Rams
1998 record: 8-6
Coach: Jim Lamb
Top players: Malik Alston, Jr., D; Matt Baldwin, Sr., A-M; Danny Gatch, Jr., M; Tony McDowell, Sr., D; Matt McNulty, Jr., M; Ray Paquin, Sr., G; Jason Sanzone, Jr., A.
Outlook: Lamb has 16 juniors among 22 players, but only five have played lacrosse. The Rams are athletic, especially on defense, where McDowell (6-4, 205 pounds) and Alston (6-1, 180) provide physical presence. Paquin must stabilize between the pipes. Baldwin may have to go to the goal more.
Fallston Cougars
1998 record: 17-4
Coach: Joe Groszkowski
Top players: Matt Bosse, Soph., A; Bob Evans, Sr., A; Justin Evans, Jr., G; Mike Schmidt, Sr., D; Dan Velez, Sr., A; Josh Warfield, Sr., M.
Outlook: A state finalist last season, the Cougars must regroup on defense and in the midfield. Offensively, however, Fallston won't miss a beat with the explosive trio of Velez (25 goals, 27 assists), Bob Evans (29, 3) and Bosse (20, 7). "If we can replace what we lost with gutty, heads-up players, we'll be OK," said Groszkowski, whose team won county titles in 1995 and last year.
Harford Tech Cobras
1998 record: 4-9
Coach: Tom Nelson
Top players: Jared Bates, Jr., A; Chris Fielder, Sr., G; A.J. Kasta, Jr., M; Brian Schein, Sr., M; Josh Tackett, Sr., A; Jeff Wenski, Jr., M.
Outlook: Nelson had another good turnout, a sign that the Cobras program is gaining some stability. Individual skills have improved but the Cobras must learn better field sense. A thin defense was hurt by two of last season's starting not returning.
Havre de Grace Warriors
1998 record: 1-11
Coach: Dave Wehage
Top players: Stanley Grimes, Soph., M; Eric Johnson, Sr., M; Ryan Thomas, Sr., D.
Outlook: The Warriors remain nearly intact from last season, meaning better experience and maturity at each position. But Wehage has only 15 players. Thomas is one of league's more unheralded defenders. Grimes could become a surprise finisher.
Joppatowne Mariners
1998 record: 4-7
Coach: Bill Waibel
Top players: Dave Brown, Soph., D; Jon Charles, Jr., A; Kris Keels, Jr., D; Jeff Scherer, Jr., M.
Outlook: The Mariners are one of the league's youngest teams and, therefore, lack experience. Waibel will rely on several players from the football and wrestling teams to fill key spots, particularly on defense.
North Harford Hawks
1998 record: 9-6
Coach: John Grubb
Top players: Andy Agostino, Jr., G; Matt Buecker, Sr., A; Larry Dawson, Sr., M; Bill Farrell, Sr., A; Matt Garland, Sr., D; Tim Pistel, Sr., A; Matt Pollhammer, Jr., M; Eric Rasmussen, Jr., A.
Outlook: The Hawks will play with chips on their shoulders, knowing they under-achieved last season. Once again, they're loaded with talent and have lofty expectations. Buecker (45 goals, 15 assists), Farrell (23, 48) and Pistel are superb attackmen, and Grubb's stick skills at crease defense are excellent. "We'll need our senior leadership," Grubb said. "With the skill level we have, these guys can handle a lot more."
Private school
John Carroll Patriots
1998 record: 12-6
Coach: Bob Wright
Top players: Ryan Dengler, Sr., A; Brandon Lawler, Sr., D; Brian Lowe, Sr., D; Chris Porter, Sr., M; Joe Smyth, Sr., D; Brad Thompson, Sr., G.
Outlook: Porter is a threat from the midfield and could benefit from the progression of Dengler. Coached by Brian Reese, a former All-American defender at Maryland, the close defense should be upgraded. The Patriots have been runner-up to Friends in the MIAA B Conference the last three years.
Pub Date: 3/19/99