VERO BEACH — Based on a relatively modest goal set forth during training camp, a mere two games into the regular season St. Ed’s 2013 varsity boys’ lacrosse team has already claimed the inside track to making it a reality.
By defeating John Carroll 15-3 in their first district contest earlier this month in Ft. Pierce, the Pirates made a significant statement while raising their overall record to 2-0.
It was just the type of start third-year Head Coach Andy Scheffer hoped for, especially since jockeying for position now will determine how advantageously the district playoff picture sets-up in mid-April.
“As I told the guys in the beginning, with only four teams in the district and four teams making the playoffs, we’ve already had a successful season because we’re automatically in the district playoffs,” Scheffer said, comingling the obvious with some tongue-in-cheek. “But I think the key for John Carroll, Sebastian River and us is not to finish fourth because then you’re playing Vero in the first round.”
The thinking behind that hypothetical scenario concedes first place to the odds-on-favorite Vero Beach High.
A playoff win in a two vs. three matchup, however, would build some confidence and momentum for the inevitable clash with the perceived colossus.
“We are all going to improve from this point on,” Scheffer continued. “I think we would all like to play Vero in the finals, and in one game, who knows, anything can happen.”
Before any of that occurs, there’s a whole regular season to contend with.
Scheffer’s teams compiled a workmanlike 12-15 record over the past two years and any coach would surely miss the outstanding play of graduate Chas Moody.
Referring to his only two seniors (midfielders Devon Kahle and Darell Flowers) on the roster this year, Scheffer said “while they are important pieces of the team, we have a lot of young kids who have played before and they are pretty good.”
The players were encouraged to attend off-season teaching camps designed to hone fundamentals in a competitive game format.
“The camp guys have learned how important it is to control the ball, not throw it away frivolously, and make sure plays,” Scheffer said. “We are faster and quicker than we’ve been in the past, so I think we are turning the corner.”
In the season opener at home, the Pirates built a 6-1 lead before hanging on for a tough 8-6 win over Holy Trinity Episcopal.
“We started out very strongly and I think because of our smallish numbers, we slowed down as the game went on,” Scheffer said. “We will need to learn to pace ourselves a bit better. We did have 38 shots and only scored eight. We obviously need to shoot better, change levels and finish our opportunities in close to the goal.
“Kevin Murphy, a freshman, played well in goal. Defensive midfielder Terrell Sands really dominated the middle of the field. Clay Deal faced-off well. We assisted on six of the eight goals. We had significant contributions from six players who started in their first varsity game. So I imagine we’ll get better. More than anything, I love the attitude this team has of working hard, helping each other and making the team the number one focus.”
The guys apparently ironed out some of those weaknesses and shored up their strengths against John Carroll.
Terrell Sands was described by his coach as “one of the best players in the county.” He competently controls the transition from defense to offense, recording three assists in the pair of wins.
“It’s the simple things that count,” Terrell said. “Everyone goes 100 percent and we are tenacious all the time. We’re all equal and we all work hard. I like that a lot about this team.”
Even with guys coming in late from the basketball and soccer teams, Devon Kahle’s concern about a slow start didn’t materialize.
“We have a lot of young kids who are really dedicated to the team,” Devon said. “One of my goals is to be a leader by example. Things are looking good for our lacrosse program, especially if you look at our middle school team. They are beating teams that we never beat before.”
Junior Aaron McGee anchors the defense in front of Murphy. He played on Team Florida and was tagged “very solid” by his coach.
“Last year we relied on Chas Moody for most of our work on offense,” he said. “Now that we don’t have him, it’s understood that the offense has to work harder to get better. They move the ball around better than any other St. Edward’s lacrosse team I’ve seen.”
“Our goals are to have a good, hard season where we improve game by game and make it to the district final,” McGee said. He also mentioned that he is looking forward to an infusion of middle school talent next year.
