March 3, 2010
Hornets headed back?
Essex Junction reloading, but South Burlington stands in its way in Vt.
by Jake Previte/
The big story in Vermont boys lacrosse in 2009 was the end of Essex Junction’s two-year reign as Division I state champion, which makes the top Green Mountain State story line for this season Essex Junction’s quest to reclaim the title against South Burlington’s efforts to become a repeat champ.
Essex Junction’s Hornets compiled a 13-6 record in 2009 and their third straight trip to the Big Dance, where they dropped an 8-7 nail-biter to South Burlington. The Hornets record, however, was deceiving, as their first two losses came at the hands of New York state class A powerhouses Liverpool and Baldwinsville, high-level competition that no doubt made them battle-tested come Vermont tournament time.
This year, however, looks to be something of a reloading season for the Hornets. The main question the team must answer is who can step up and replace the scoring and distributing of graduated All-American attackman Marty Vanzo. One positive for the Hornets is their experience, as three straight title-game appearances ensure that everyone understands the pressure of being a pre-season favorite.
Standing in the Hornets’ way will be defending champion, South Burlington. A tough and tenacious squad, the Rebels put together a masterful 14-4 season, capped by the title, and they look ready to return to those heights again this year.
The acknowledged leader of the team is All-American attackman Zach Davidson, who set the Vermont single-season scoring record with over 115 points a year ago. While the senior leads the attack, the close defense graduated its leaders in Evan Cassidy and Adam Farmer, raising questions in both the experience and leadership categories.
In Division II, the Burr & Burton Academy Bulldogs are a heavy favorite to continue their dominance throughout the state. Last year, the Bulldogs compiled a near-perfect 15-1 record, and finished with a convincing 12-6 win in the state title game against Lamoille Union. The Bulldogs must replace the points of graduated All-America Nohea King, but they have depth and experience to get that done.
The Bulldog’s top competition is likely to come from Lamoille Union Lancers, where the Lancers will be anxious to avenge last year’s championship defeat. The Lancers put up a solid 17 wins against two losses in 2009.
On the girls side of the game, teams in Vermont Division I have spent last year at the mercy of Rutland, where All-Americans Hannah Wright and Ashley Boucher wreaked havoc on opponents, and delivered the school’s first state title in 2009. This year, however, they’re gone, leaving regional coaches wondering whether Rutland is ripe for a fall or re-loaded for a three-peat. Fresh off an 18-1 campaign — with the lone loss to Division II power Burr & Burton Academy — Rutland may struggle to repeat, but won’t fall far.
Perennial power Middlebury took a step back in 2009, losing in the semifinals after three straight years in the championship game, but no one expects the Tigers to stay down long. Meanwhile, Mt. Anthony Union was able to get past the Tigers and make the final against Rutland last year, and is hoping to keep the progress going.
The road to a repeat championship may be easier in Division II, where the Red Devils of Chelsea and Burr & Burton are runaway contenders after staging three consecutive title tilts. Chelsea broke through with the win in 2009, and it’s hard to believe the team could improve upon 2009, when it finished with a perfect 18-0 record, a state crown and ranked number two in Vermont by LaxPower.
Burr & Burton, meanwhile, suffered through a six-loss season in 2009, but dropped four of those contests to Division I opponents, plus the championship loss. Throw in the title game loss and a defeat at the hands of New York powerhouse Bethlehem, and this team clearly had what it took for a three-peat in 2009, only to fall short. The Bulldogs return a battle-tested crew whose seniors have never missed out on a state championship game, and who hope to start a new title streak. λ
