Nease lacrosse season preview

Submitted to My St. Johns Sun by RON ANGERER

The Nease Panthers varsity Lacrosse team, led by Head Coach Jack Francis and assistants Pete Kemp, Craig Tucker and Adam Silva, will open the 2008 season at Landrum Middle School, Ponte Vedra, February 5 against Fleming Island High School.

The team looks to build upon last year’s District Championship and overall 15-8 record. There are twelve returning players from last year’s squad that advanced to the regional finals, before losing to Lake Brantley 11-10. The team’s goal this year is a State Championship.

Key returning players include Captain’s Craig Carson (attack), Brian Cosgrove and Andy Reed (defense) and Kevin Chapin (midfield). The attack returns all three starters. Senior Taylor Avery and Junior Brett Angerer join Craig Carson. Chapin along with Senior Nick Hanson and Junior Matt Leighty will lead the midfield corps. Cosgrove and Reed will anchor the Defense along with Juniors John Gallagher and Thad Foster. Junior Nick Colon returns in goal. Several talented new players including Juniors Joe and Brian Manarte, Sophomore Logan Hansen and Freshman Michael Power will compliment the returning players.

The Panthers will play 17 games during the regular season. Games of note include; Local rivals Bartram Trail, Episcopal and Bolles, 2007 Florida State Champions St Andrews, Orlando powerhouses; Bishop Moore and Winter Springs and strong squads from Matanzas and Lake Highland Prep. Out of state opponents are; Greenwich CT, Plano TX, Desmitt Jesuit, MD and St Marys, MD.

This season marks the first Lacrosse will be a FHSAA-sanctioned sport. Nease High School will host the District playoff games the week of March 31. Joining Nease in its district are Fleming Island, Bartram Trail, Pedro Menendez, PK Young and Oak Hall. Regional playoffs are scheduled for April 8-11. Walt Disney World Wide World of Sports Complex, April 18 and 19 will host the state finals.

The complete Varsity and Junior Varsity rosters and schedules, plus additional information can be found on the teams Web site: www.neaselacrosse.com.