The boys lacrosse season is underway for the private schools and the public schools will begin play Friday, so it's time to start rolling out the projections for this season's top teams.
In the coming days, Varsity Letters will count down the top five teams. The area's preseason No. 1-ranked team will be posted on Thursday. The entire Top 15 poll, along with the top players to watch, will be available online Thursday night at the entire preview package will be in Friday's print edition.
Here's a look at No. 4 Loyola Blakefield:
Coach: Jack Crawford
Last season: 8-8, No. 7
Postseason: Did not qualify in the MIAA A Conference
Outlook: The Dons are the definite wild card team in the MIAA A Conference this season based on past history.
Two years ago, they came out of nowhere to win the unlikeliest of championships – barely getting into the tournament as the sixth seed and going on to upset then-undefeated and No. 1 Boys' Latin in the title game.
A number of players from that team are now seniors – led by do-it-all midfielder Ryan Conrad, who is the country's No. 1 recruit headed for Virginia. Before he leaves, he's determined to win another championship and has plenty of help to get the job done.
Goalie Acie Newton, attackman Alex Roesner and fellow midfielder Jack Lombardo also played big roles on the 2013 title team and make up a strong senior class that is on a mission.
Younger players have to step up and the pieces have to fall in place, but the Dons would be a difficult team to eliminate if they can reach the playoffs. The team has even more incentive after missing the postseason last year.