Winning Section II boys lacrosse titles is something that’s expected in Niskayuna not just by the fans, but also by the players themselves.
I just think it’s the kids,` said Niskayuna coach Mike Vorgang. `There’s high expectations for the program, and the kids have high expectations for themselves.`
In order for the Silver Warriors to win their sixth consecutive Sectional title, they’ll have to find a way to fill the holes left by the graduation of several key players from last year’s team that reached the state Class B finals including their top two scorers, Jared Franze and Dan McKinney.
`We have some [returning] kids who have been around for a long time, but it’s hard to replace guys like Jared and Dan, who accounted for 78 goals between them,` said Vorgang.
But at Niskayuna, Vorgang never has to worry about rebuilding the offense. He can simply reload with veterans such as Guy Waltman, Mark Panneton, Colin Foster and Matt Sexton.
`Our attack is where I think we have the most number of quality players,` said Vorgang.
The Silver Warriors also have a new goaltender following James Manchester’s graduation, Ian Verzoni.
`Compared to James, he’s much smaller in size,` said Vorgang of Verzoni. `He’s quick, though, and he reacts to the ball well. He’s a great kid, too.`
Niskayuna begins its season next Wednesday when it hosts Shaker, but it will be the only time this season that the Silver Warriors and Blue Bison play each other. Thanks to a realignment in the Suburban Council, Niskayuna is now in the North Division with Shenendehowa, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, while Shaker moves to the South Division with Colonie, Bethlehem, Guilderland and Columbia.
`I think it’s going to be different not playing Shaker twice or Guilderland twice like we have for so many years,` said Vorgang. `But it should still be good.`
The Silver Warriors also have a tough non-league schedule that includes Massachusetts state champion Duxbury and Somers High School.
`We’re playing a quality schedule this year,` said Vorgang.
Tartans set sights on Foothills title
While Niskayuna is gearing up for another Sectional title run, Scotia-Glenville is focusing on a Foothills Council championship.
`When Niskayuna is in your group, you’re not necessarily thinking about a Sectional title first,` said Scotia-Glenville coach Darren Van Heusen. `And with Queensbury returning a lot [of players[, the Foothills might be tough. I think we will be competitive, as usual.`
The Tartans have a veteran backline with the return of goaltender Jared Reed and defensemen Will Clune, Brodie France and Matt Glass. However, they’ll have to rely on a group of sophomores for their offense.
`If we can score in the 8- to 10-goal range every game, then we can win in the Foothills Council, at least,` said Van Heusen.
Scotia-Glenville begins the season next Tuesday when it hosts Cambridge in a non-league game. The Tartans’ first Foothills Council contest isn’t until April 17 when they visit Glens Falls.
Schwan joins Spartans
Up Route 50 in Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, veteran Section II coach Tom Schwan takes over as coach of the 4-year-old varsity program.
`There is definitely a ton of teaching going on,` said Schwan, who previously coached at Guilderland and Christian Brothers Academy. `What’s exciting is that you can already see that there is a significant difference in their lacrosse IQ.`
Schwan has spent the majority of the team’s practices improving the players’ skills, both physical and mental.
`Our primary focus has been on ` and will continue to be on ` our mentality. We have to be competitive with each other in practice in order to be competitive with other teams. The only way you’re going to get better is that you have to believe that someone else wants your spot,` said Schwan. `The other thing is our fundamentals. We’re working a lot on stick skills and ground balls.`
Schwan is hoping the success some of the athletes have had in other sports at BH-BL will lead to a winning attitude on the lacrosse team.
`About half of them are football players, so they’re used to being part of a successful program,` said Schwan.
Being successful in the highly-competitive Suburban Council North Division with Niskayuna, Shenendehowa and Saratoga might be a stretch for BH-BL, but Schwan said he hopes it will teach his team how to play at a higher level.
`I would say if you want to get better, you have to play the best teams,` said Schwan. `We’re going to play Shen twice, Niskayuna twice and Saratoga twice. Hopefully, we can learn by watching those teams and what they do without getting blown out in the process.`
The Spartans begin the season next Tuesday with a non-league game against South Glens Falls.“