In Transition: Wilmington Boys Lacrosse Team Readies for Season Opener

Coming off of a two-win campaign in 2010, there aren’t many places the boys lacrosse team can go but up. Just how far the team soars, however, remains to be seen.

“I’m confident we will definitely improve on that,” said head coach Mike Fay, whose team was 2-16 last year. “The intensity will be there this year, so it’s about respecting their teammates and having faith in each other. I think they’re there. How much they’ll improve, only time will tell.”

Fay’s charges are slated to take on Triton on Tuesday at during the Wildcats’ season opener, field conditions permitting.

The team struggled with wet fields during the preseason, and was forced to practice in the parking lot for the majority of their sessions. The Wildcats did see game action during a jamboree in late March.

“The limited field experiences slows you down,” said Fay. “It’s no excuse, but it’s difficult to practice in the parking lot. You don’t spread out as much and there are no lines to help guys get used to the field itself. That limits the lacrosse experience we’d like to get. I think we’re prepared to play, I just don’t know how good our opponents will or won’t be. It’s a matter of having some intensity and confidence to get the job done.”

Leading the charge for Wilmington is an experienced defensive backfield. Matt Ferreira, Eric Jaeschke and fourth-year senior Andy Wells all return to the field in front of goalie Adam Siegel, a junior playing for the first time.

“I think fundamentally (the defensemen) are very sound with how they approach the game. All three of them have pretty good quickness,” said Fay. “They’re all fairly athletic and with Andy Wells having four years experience, we have a pretty solid foundation to start the season with.”

Offensively, returning starter Peter Leighton is expected to lead the way. Fay said the senior has quickness and an understanding of the game that should lead to strong ball possession.

Also on attack are junior Trevor Foley and sophomore Ryan Kennedy, who will be among an offense that Fay said is more complex than in past years.

“We’re transitioning. It’s only a fourth year program so in years prior I didn’t encourage too much of a dynamic offense with cutting and feeding the crease,” said Fay. “It’s going to be a little more up-tempo. We have a few more plays that send players through the offensive zone.”

At midfield, the returning starters are young for Fay. Brian Priem and Mitchell DeAmbrose join fellow sophomore Blake Walker on the first line. Jimmy O’Neil and Matt Palermo are among the group that will follow them on the second unit.

The coach doesn’t have many options to turn to as his roster is small. There are currently 16 varsity players and 15 JV team members.

During road games, the JV and varsity units play at the same time, but home tilts mean Fay has an extra four swing players at his disposal.

Fay said the town’s youth program, which has existed for two years longer than the varsity squad, is key to the success of the varsity team.

“The younger players are already coming in with more experience and can do more,” said Fay. “It’s a group of kids that are here to play lacrosse. I would expect to see a lot of success from the Wilmington High School lacrosse team over the next few years.”