Unsung Hero: Sophomore Goalie Matt Messerle

In the boys lacrosse program's short history, head coach Kevin Donnelly explained that almost every goalie the program has ever had was created as a freshman. For probably the first time, Donnelly said, the team's three goalies are self-made goalies, contributing to the defense the best they can.

In the beginning of the season, Kevin Honaman, Greg Bresnan and Matt Messerle squared off for the starting job for the 2012-13 year. Messerle got the nod from the coaches and has started ever since.

"We have three guys that are really tight in their ability and are doing a good job for us," said Donnelly. "He really kind of got the job from his consistency at the beginning of the year and has really held onto it."

Donnelly selected Messerle as this week's unsung hero because of that same consistency.

"Just because he's been doing what he's supposed to be doing on and off the field," Donnelly said. "Kind of a quiet presence but definitely taking care of things on his end and playing real well."

Messerle is happy to be considered, but deferred his success to his teammates.

"It feels good," said Messerle. "It feels nice to get the recognition and obviously everybody on the team deserves recognition. There's no one in particular that's a standout star. I think we've all earned recognition. The whole team is putting in a lot of hard work."

The Rams are 12-3 this season, dropping games to Avon Grove, Hatboro-Horsham and Owen J. Roberts. Despite a few disappointing losses, Messerle is optimistic for his team.

"We've had some rough patches," he said. "I definitely think we should have beaten Owen J. We've played well some games, we've played bad some games. Once we get it all together, we're going to be a tough team, a great team."

Messerle has 91 saves in 12 of the 15 games they've played (statistics for Methacton, Perkiomen Valley and Lower Merion not available), giving him an average of 7-and-a-half saves per game. Donnelly noted Messerle is not a traditional PAC-10 goalie.

"He's a lot different than many of the others," he said. "He's very technically sound. He makes the saves he's supposed to and comes up with a couple he's not supposed to in the meantime. That's all we ask of him. There are other guys that make the more spectacular saves but don't get all the other ones."

Messerle has played goalie for the past four years and is very content with his job. He's hopeful that his high school career will continue to progress toward a state title.

"Being a goalie - most people say you're nuts," he said. "It's a little scary at first, but you just get used to it. It's a part of the sport. It's a lot of fun. A lot of people don't see how it's a lot of fun, but any goalie thinks it's fun. I just keep getting better. As a senior, I hope to be a solid leader and someone who helps carry this team far into districts and states."