The boys lacrosse season is underway for the private schools and the public schools will begin play on Friday, so we continue to count down the top five teams.
St. Mary's, Loyola Blakefield and defending Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference champion Boys' Latin have come in at No. 5 through No. 3, respectively, so it's time to roll out the final two teams.
We'll start Thursday morning with the No. 2 ranked team -- McDonogh -- and will reveal the No. 1 team a little later in the day. From there, the entire Top 15 poll, along with the top players to watch, will be available online Thursday night and the entire preview package will be in Friday's print edition.
Here's a look at No. 2 McDonogh:
Coach: Andy Hilgartner
Last season: 15-5, No. 4
Postseason: MIAA A semifnals
Outlook: In recent years, the Eagles have positioned themselves for a championship run only to fall short as they seek their first crown since 2005. A talented mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers has them right there this spring. Midfielder Robby Black and attackman Robert Clark -- both four-year varsity players -- will be instrumental in leading the offense and providing senior leadership. Jordy Elardo capably handles the faceoff X and Connor Young and Jackson Morrill add to the middle. Senior goalie Jacob Stover is coming off a fine junior season and will be leaned on heavily as a new defense matures in front of him. Junior Arman Medghalchi and sophomores Brandon Shive and Zeke Narcise form the promising nucleus in back. Hilgartner is banking on a tough early season schedule gets everybody up to speed for league play. The Eagles have the talent to bring home the championship, it's a matter of them playing their best at the needed time.