A great week of practice has the Huntington boys’ lacrosse team pumped up for its Friday game against Sachem North at 4 p.m. at Blue Devil Stadium.
Huntington (12-2) is seeded No. 1 in Suffolk Division I. The Blue Devils received a bye in the opening round of the playoffs while Sachem North (7-8) topped Sachem East (7-8), 19-12 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Huntington head coach Julian Watts has his team seeded No. 1 in Suffolk Division I. (Darin Reed photo.)
“We have a lot of respect for Sachem North and we aren’t about to underestimate them,” Huntington head coach Julian Watts said. “They are a very well coached team with some great players. I am sure they will come at us with everything they have.”
Huntington won a hard fought 7-6 verdict at Sachem North on May 17. The Blue Devils haven’t forgotten that close call and have been preparing for another rugged battle.
The blue and white will be counting on players like junior Robbie Smith to perform at a high level, just like they have all season. Smith, who has already given Stony Brook University a verbal commitment, has tallied 28 goals and 19 assists. Huntington is going nowhere without him.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” goalkeeper Alex Fascilla (155 saves) said. “We had a nice week off leading up to the game in which we practiced hard and watched film on Sachem North. We are looking forward to a close game and trying to get past the first round.”
Huntington has outscored its opponents over the 14 game schedule by a margin of 149-86. Watts hopes his offense again clicks when it takes the field on Friday.
“I think it’s going to be an interested game,” Steve Queen said. “We need to come out firing on all cylinders for a long four quarters. With the intensity and level of energy we have kept up this week, I think we are ready.”
Huntington’s defense has been outstanding all season long and Fascilla has been exceptional in the cage.
“We look good,” said Anthony Annunziata, a Blue Devil face-off specialist. “We’re ready to roll.”
Controlling the midfield and turning back any offensive attack has been one of Huntington’s trademarks this spring.
“Everything looks really good,” Liam Hassett (31goals; 13 assists) said. “We have been going after it this week during practice. Everyone’s on the same page and can’t wait until Friday.”
There are many unsung heroes on the Blue Devil roster, including the defensive unit and many of the midfielders. But without them, Huntington wouldn’t be 12-2.
“Heading into the game against Sachem North, I believe, will be the real test for us,” Liam Lennon (20g; 13a) said. “This past week has really given us some time to break down our offense and defense and fix what needed to be fixed. Although we have had quite some time to prepare, playing a team twice and winning both times is very difficult. They are a very well rounded team, but if we come out the way we need to we will be able to beat them and advance into the next round of playoffs. It should be a very good game and I am very excited to play this Friday on our home turf.
Blue Devil lacrosse fans are typically very noisy and the players like it that way. With the playoffs being single elimination, there is a lot riding on Friday’s game. The team that loses goes home until next spring.
“The team is really excited for the opportunity to extend our season,” Jack Krisch (24g; 21a) said. “The first time we played Sachem North it was too close for comfort so we are the most dialed in we’ve been the whole season. This group of guys has put in so much work over the last year and we want to bring a playoff win back to Huntington, which has been long overdue.”
By nature of its No. 1 seed, Huntington will continue playing at home if it keeps winning.
“Things look great going into Friday’s game,” Chris Maichin (11g; 7a) said. “It’s been really nice being the No. 1 seed with a first round bye, giving us time to practice for a whole week in preparation for Sachem North. Playoffs are like a brand new season. We have to learn from the regular season, but have the mindset like we are 0-0 and come out firing and ready to play.”
While Huntington is full of respect for Sachem North, the Blue Devils are confident, like any team has to be going into a big game.
“Heading into this game as the No. 1 seed, we want to dominate Sachem North and just be firing on all cylinders,” Aidan McNulty (11g; 12a) said. “I think if we can all work together as a team, we will come out with the win.”
