Preview: Sachem North Boys Lacrosse

Last year: 13-6, lost to West Islip in Suffolk County quarterfinals

Pre-season ranking: No. 8 out of 24 in Division I

Sachem North lacrosse head coach Jay Mauro, in his sixth year, is trying to get his team to realize it's a privilege to wear the Black & Gold, "and their hard work is paying off," he said. Last year's 13-6 campaign and the nine college commits on his roster this year are a testament to what the program is capable of once again.

Position breakdown

Attack: This is one of the deepest years at attack for North. Phil Schaefer is a lefty, tough and fast and will be the main leader up front. Michael Andreassi, who committed to play at the University of Massachusetts last month, will be joined by junior Timmy Lang as the other top attackmen on the roster.

Cody Ciolino will have a hybrid role at both attack and midfield. Sophomores Shawn Murphy and Kyle Rhatigan will see time at attack also.

Midfield: The energetic and work happy Angelo Armine and the Robert Morris-bound Jake Cabble will run the show at the midfield. Jack Gannon isn't too far behind and Cody Petillo, the son of assistant coach Rich Petillo, will add fantastic depth. Eric Talbot and new transfer Elijah Punzone (Smithtown East) will see time at midfield as well.

Mauro said Andreassi and Lang can be slotted back on midfield also at times.

Defense: The top d-middies are Andy Moran, Fred Golini and Tyler Novak. The other top defensive standouts are Evan Bloom (he's the new Patch blogger), James Kenny, Nick Loguirato and Jesse Scanna. Also look for George Raum, Zack Dellecave and Mike Mazzola to add necessary depth.

Again, Mauro will be utilizing many players on defense. Don't be surprised if Andreassi or Armine drop back. Fred Golini will spend most of his time on the defensive end. Mauro said Joe Kirchner, who was one of the best linemen in Suffolk County this year when he played football for the Flaming Arrows, played lax as a freshman and sophomore and wanted back on the lax field this season.

"He's tough as nails and we're real excited about him as a face-off and defensive guy," Mauro said.

At long-stick, Alex Harris, Nick Iannello and Paul Cappola have been doing a good job.

Goalie: Will Murphy and Ted Matos will split time again this year most likely. Mauro said it's too early to tell if one will start more frequently and play more than the other, but both were very reliable last season.

Schedule: The boys will be in Virginia March 27-29, scrimmaging Battlefield High School and attending a Duke-Georgetown game.

"It's a great bonding experience for the team," Mauro said.

The team opens its league schedule on the road at West Islip March 31 at 11 a.m, then plays at the Field of Dreams in Massapequa against Syosset in a non-league contest on April 3 at 7 p.m.

Another key date to mark down is May 17 when the Arrows host Ward Melville at 7 p.m. and retire former Sachem lacrosse player Doug Shanahan's jersey number.