DULLES LAX PREVIEW - Broad Run vs. Heritage
STERLING, VA - After a wild shootout a few weeks ago between Heritage and Broad Run, it's only fitting these two Loudoun County lacrosse powers will do battle once again. This time, however, the stakes are much higher. Not only will the winner earn the right to garner a number one seed in next week's regional tournament, but the victor will also be crowned Dulles District tournament champions.
That honor alone makes this rematch all the more enticing, and one Gameday will have you covered for. We'll walk you through all the matchups, but more importantly, is we'll be bringing you the game live and worldwide from Dominion High School starting at 7:15. First, however, the analysis.
When: Friday, May 16; 7:30pm
Where: George Mason HS
Field: Turf
Forecast: Cold\Rain - High 60
KEYS TO VICTORY FOR BROAD RUN:
Limit the Heritage Offense: Last time out, Heritage lit up the highly regarded Broad Run defense for an unheralded 17 goals. A lot of that had to do with goalie Kenny McAdow going down to injury, but unfortunately for the Spartans, they can't use that as an excuse in this championship showdown. That means newly promoted sophomore starter Colin Sack will need to pick up the slack in goal. Maybe more importantly are the troops lined up in front of Sack who will be defending the cage for Broad Run. Defensemen Robby Buckman and Eric Zimmet in particular will need to answer the call of duty and step up their game as 17 goals this go-round will certainly not get the job done.
Get to Barton- The worst thing the Spartans could do on Friday is to allow Heritage goalie Tyler Barton to get hot. Arguably the best goalie in the region, Barton can make an offense look silly. Last time these two teams met he did just that, registering a mind-blowing 33 saves in their 17-14 victory. To not cause a repeat performance, it's imperative that Broad Run finish all their shots from close-in and not take careless shots from outside 15 yards. In other words, make Barton work for every save he'll get and don't inflate his confidence.
Find Madigan- Attack Eric Madigan is as fine of an offensive player you'll find in AA and maybe the AAA ranks as well. Last time out though he was limited to just one goal for about the entire game. The key for Broad Run though is for Madigan to get hot early. The more pressure taken off of fellow offensive standouts Connor Forman and Tim Sanders, then the better that is for Broad Run. He'll almost certainly be matched up against Pride defenseman Kyle Startsman, but we'd like to give the advantage to Madigan in this situation. If he can come through, look for Broad Run to have a big night offensively.
KEYS TO VICTORY FOR HERITAGE:
Get Stambules Involved- We don't expect Heritage to score another 17 goals against Broad Run, so that means this game could come down to the playmakers. The biggest playmaker in the entire district, in our opinion, just happens to be on the side of Heritage in attackman Dean Stambules. If he can come through for his team and deliver, then he could be the decisive factor that puts Heritage over the top in this one. Amazingly enough, Stambules accounted for only two of their 17 goals last meeting, but at the same token, his services weren't needed as badly. This time however, Stambules will need to be there every step of the way for every minute during every quarter.
Lock Down on Forman- In their last meeting nearly three weeks ago, the one problem Heritage had was dealing with middie Connor Forman. In that game, he put up 7 goals and that has to be a concern for Heritage. They may want to consider putting the long pole on Forman the entire night or lock him off with a short-stick. Either way, they must find a way out to stop Forman. If not, it could be another long night for the Heritage defense.
Shoot Early and Often- Broad Run is still breaking in their new goalie and the Heritage offense has to be licking their chops at the fresh meat thrown at them. They put up a bright 17-spot last time, and Heritage will have this tournament championship all locked up with another performance like that one. Another high-scoring affair is unlikely but Stambules and teammates Chris Rossie and Bryan McCarthy should be shooting early and often. Until it's proven they can be stopped, they should be given the green light from all angles and range.
X-FACTORS
Groundballs- It goes without saying that groundballs are important, but we can't stress the importance of this stat enough. The team with the most groundballs will likely win Friday night's contest. With the two sides so evenly matched, this game could come down to those few extra possessions, and winning the groundball war can give either team that extra edge.
Travel Time- Friday's championship tilt is slated to be played at Dominion, but if Mother Nature has any say on things, the game will be moved to George Mason, located all the way in Falls Church. While it may sound crazy, some teams do lose focus on long trips that they are normally not accustomed to. If that is the case, then travel time could very well play a role in this game.
PREDICTION
We expect a back and forth struggle that will come down to the last few possessions, much like last year's championship. However, we don't think Broad Run will come out on the short end of things this time. We feel it's their year and this senior class will be stepping up to the plate tonight.
Broad Run 12 - Heritage 11
