Photo by Jim Stout/MaxPreps.com

Among the big games today: Christian Bonaventura and six-time Section 1 finalist Rye host defending Class A sectional champ Lakeland/Panas at 2:30 p.m.

Welcome to Crossover Saturday, gang.

Today’s slate features all sorts of interesting, intriguing and anticipated intersectional and interstate showdowns.

More on that, of course, in a moment.

In our “Gameday” posts each day, one link that always appears following the rundown of each day’s contests is one for the “Weather forecast.”

There’s a reason for that.

The weather can have a huge impact even in a sport like lax that is usually played in rainy and sometimes extreme conditions — barring lightning and thunder, of course.

With a 100-percent certain powerhouse storm that is expected to bring heavy rain set to hit Saturday night, at least one of today’s much-awaited games, the annual John Jay-Manhasset rivalry, has been impacted, as we first reported here yesterday afternoon.

The teams acted proactively and wisely by moving up the scheduled starting time. The game, which will be played in Cross River, will now be at 2 p.m. today. (It had been set to be played at 7 p.m.)

The weather in Hanover, Pa., should be fine at starting time (11 a.m.) for the showdown of the consensus No. 1 Haverford Fords and No. 2 Darien Blue Wave in the third annual Checking for Cancer Classic at the Hanover School. Greenwich, Wilton and Fairfield Prep will also be competing in the event. (See their matchups below.)

Meanwhile, back here in the nation’s No. 1 hotbed for lax, the Hudson Valley/Long Island/Connecticut region, there will be quite a few other highly anticipated games.

National powers and Long Island heavyweights Chaminade and West Islip will battle it out at 11 a.m. If you happen to be home, you can catch the game live on MSG Varsity Channel 14.

A game we’ve been highlighting all week will be played in Summit, N.J., as the unbeaten Ridgefield Tigers venture from Connecticut in hopes of ending the Hilltopers’ 51-game win streak.

Though Summit is 6-0, it was hit hard by graduation losses. I rate this game as a tossup and think Ridgefield could well end the streak. So needless to say, stay tuned for updates on that one.

We could go on for a while talking about that game and all of today’s slate, which includes the renewal of the Yorktown-Mahopac rivalry at 2 p.m. in Mahopac and an intriguing battle of two of the Hudson Valley’s best as defending Class A sectional champ Lakeland/Panas visits six-time sectional finalist Rye at 2:30 p.m. Somers and Niskayuna, who meet in the 2009 state quarterfinals, renew acquaintances at 4 p.m. today at Union College. Somers has won three straight after an 0-2 start. Nisky is 3-0.

Also of note, in a prep showdown, Brunswick, which started the season with a one-goal loss to Deerfield (Mass.), hosts Salisbury (Conn.) at 3 p.m. Salisbury, which is the nation’s fifth-ranked team.

We have been rotating our latest poll question asking for your vote on who you think will win some of today’s big showdowns.

To vote in the poll, on the right panel of this page, just scroll past the “New Comments” and “Popular” tabs and click on “Poll,” and then cast your vote from the choices available, or write in your choice if it’s not listed.

OK, now let’s get to the heart of the matter.

Today’s schedule.

As always, gang, be sure to post updates and info on the game or games you’re attending.

Put those updates right here from your cell phone, or, if it’s easier, email them to info@laxlessons.com.

Here’s today’s rundown of games:

North Babylon at Lindenhurst, 10 a.m.
Valley Stream at Port Washington, 10 a.m.
Hewlett vs. Fairfield Warde at Fairfield Ludlowe, 10 a.m.
Plainview JFK at Hempstead, 10 a.m.
Garden City vs. Duxbury (Mass.) at Harvard University, 10 a.m.
Malverne at Elmont, 10:30 a.m.
Sewanhaka at Kennedy-Bellmore, 10 a.m.
Carmel at Wappingers at Roy C. Ketcham High School, 11 a.m.
Trumbull at Danbury, 10 a.m.
Hastings Tournament, 10 a.m., noon
Horace Greeley at Brewster, 11 a.m.
Chaminade at West Islip, 11 a.m.
Ridgefield at Summit (N.J.), noon
Putnam Valley at Suffern, noon
Staples at St. John the Baptist, noon
Mamaroneck at Fairfield Ludlowe, noon
Hen Hud at Bronxville, 1 p.m.
Norwalk at New Canaan, 1 p.m.
Kinnelon (N.J.) at White Plains, 1 p.m.
Stamford at Bellport, 2 p.m.
Bayshore vs. Cheshire at Western Connecticut State University, 2 p.m.
Yorktown at Mahopac, 2 p.m.
Nyack at Fox Lane, 2 p.m.
Lakeland/Panas at Rye, 2:30 p.m.
Salisbury at Brunswick, 3 p.m.
Somers vs. Niskayuna at Union College, 4 p.m.
William Floyd vs. New Fairfield at Western Connecticut State University, 5 p.m.
Sachem North at Sachem East, 7 p.m.
Jericho at Locust Valley at Centre Island, 7 p.m.
Hicksville at Bethpage, 7 p.m.
Arlington at New Milford, 7 p.m.
Comsewogue at Springfield (N.J.) at Fairleigh Dickinson University, 7 p.m.

Checking for Cancer Classic, Hanover School, Hanover, Pa.:
Darien (Conn.) vs. Haverford (Pa.) at Sabol Field, 11 a.m.
Greenwich (Conn.) vs. Conestoga (Pa.) at Class of ’75 Field, 1 p.m.
Wilton (Conn.) vs. LaSalle (Pa.) at Sabol Field, 3 p.m.
Fairfield Prep (Conn.) vs. Chatham at Class of ’75 Field, 3 p.m.

You can reach us by email at info@laxlessons.com.

Weather Forecast
Click here for today’s weather and a look at the three days ahead.

Put those cell phones to good use
Be sure, as always, to weigh in with info/thoughts/scores on games you attend. And don’t forget to put those mobile phones to good use in providing in-game updates, gang. If it’s easier, you may also send your updates to info@laxlessons.com.

This week’s college schedule
For a rundown of this week’s D-I games, and games you can catch on TV, click here.

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Posted In: Fairfield lacrosse, fciac, Gameday, Section 1, Section 11, Section 8, Section 9

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129 Responses to “Gameday Saturday, 4/16: Darien, Ridgefield on national stage; WI-Chaminade, JJ-'Set, Y'town-'Pac, Salisbury-Brunswick collide”

  1. section1lax says:

    dont underestimate Pac’ in this game. they had an unlucky loss to somers where the ball was dropped with 2 seconds all they had to do was hold it. somers scored a “buzzerbeater” to send into overime where they sudden death scored to win. even with that loss Pac’ is going to win their section and will rise to the top. they have the potential to beat y-town so lets see how this folds out

    • Arlington Fan says:

      Arlington has played both Lakeland and Mahopac. Lakeland is better.

      • section1lax says:

        mahopac had a bad game and missing starting attack on empire team..and just beat ytown

        • LoveTownLax says:

          ‘Town had a worse game, and we were missing Ty, starting middie. so what’s your point, section1lax? If it’s that you think we played our best game, that’s not the case. But Mahopac played one goal better today, and that is why we play the game.

          • section1lax says:

            im not saying any disrespect to Town, im explaining that hes acuusing lakeland as being better meanwhile we had a bad game vs arlington and just beat ytown which is an honor and shows that we have the talent to play with the top teams, which includes the town

          • LoveTownLax says:

            “on any given day,” right? Pac had “not-so-great”day against Arlington, and Town a “not-so-great” against Pac… and ‘Town beat Arlington 11-4… so what does that mean? Lakeland may be better, and maybe not. You’ll find out when you play them.

          • section1lax says:

            yes you are correct. im just saying i dissagree when people come out and say which team is better when they havent played yet

  2. justlaxin says:

    They certainly have to prove they can beat a top tier team for they haven’t done so in a while. They have some good players. Lets see how they match up. Somers should not be a measuring stick having lost a few games themselves already.
    Wish the Darien game was on TV. Seems strange the number 1 and 2 team in the nation can play and noone will have it on. Rye LP is also interesting game. LP seems to have it going a little bit but have not stepped up their level of competition just yet. Rye has been struggling but I see them as better than Suffern who was LP’s stiffest test so far.

  3. the boy who cried wolf says:

    Putnam Valley is in for a rude awakening today. GO SUFFERN! WBB will be in attendance…

  4. LI Lax says:

    Darien 2, Haverford 2 after 1

  5. Lions Den says:

    WI leads Nade 2-0 after 1… Goals by Sagl, Tucci

  6. CTLax170 says:

    Thanks, LI Lax.

  7. LI Lax says:

    WI up 2-0 early second

  8. Laxwell Smart says:

    Chaminade 2, WI 2 – late 2nd qtr… Defense is the word of the day in these big games.

  9. LI Lax says:

    2-2 WI-Chaminade at half

  10. Joe Lombardi says:

    With Haverford leading Darien 4-3 at the half, here’s some color from Lax Novice, who reports it’s cold, but there is no rain at Sabol Field at the Haverford School. He adds that Maryland-bound Eric Parnon of Darien has shown down Virginia-bound Carl Walrath so far in a battle of future ACC rivals. Georgetown-bound defenseman Warner Bailey left the game with an injury in the second quarter.

    • Joe Lombardi says:

      Haverford 7, Darien 4 after three, reports Joe Santoliquto.

      • Joe Lombardi says:

        Lax Novice adds that Darien has won just won faceoff through those three quarters.

        It’s now 8-4 Haverford early in the fourth quarter.

        • Joe Lombardi says:

          The Fords stretched the lead to 9-4 midway through the fourth. Looks like they’ll stay No. 1 nationally.

          • Joe Lombardi says:

            Final: Haverford 11, Darien 5

          • South of 287 says:

            Watched 1st half off link provided. Refs letting them play. Both close D shut down attacks. Fords first 2 goals were savable, esp. 1st one.

            Darien fogo won clamp on FO but stood up to lose ball more than once. Need the ball to score and Darien mids were losing GB battles.

  11. Pork Chop Serum says:

    WI 3 Nade 3
    8:22 left in 3rd

  12. Pork Chop Serum says:

    WI 4 Nade 3
    2:35 left in 3rd

  13. Pork Chop Serum says:

    WI 5 Nade 4
    10:20 left in 4th

  14. Pork Chop Serum says:

    WI 6 Nade 4
    9:00 left

  15. Pork Chop Serum says:

    WI 7 Nade 4
    6:20 left

  16. Pork Chop Serum says:

    WI 8 Nade 4
    3:00 left

  17. LI Lax says:

    8-4 WI time winding down…

  18. Pork Chop Serum says:

    8 – 6 30 left

  19. Pork Chop Serum says:

    8 7
    10 sec left
    WI takes TO

  20. Lions Den says:

    Final… WI 8, Nade 7

  21. Joe Lombardi says:

    Garden City beat Duxbury 10-0 in a game played this morning at Harvard University.

  22. LI Lax says:

    Chaminade nearly ties with a huge run in the final minute, but WI holds on for 8-7 win.

  23. laxidasicle says:

    and the streak goes on… hilltoppers 10 tigers 5

  24. laxidasicle says:

    oh yeah… 52 and counting lafayette bound sonny round 2 goals 3 assists… also, defense stepped up

  25. sec1 says:

    3-2 Town after 1
    Ty Shuldt out for 2nd game

  26. Staff report says:

    6-1 manhasset with four minutes left in 2nd qtr

    • Joe Lombardi says:

      Final: Manhasset 10, John Jay 1.

      Joe Mancini and Ryan Matthews each had two goals for the Indians. Mancini also had two assists. Quinn Moroney had three assists.

      Set coach Bill Cherry told me after the game he thought it was his team’s best effort of the season.

      Frank Morelli was outstanding in goal, as was the entire Manhasset defense.

      Lone JJ goal was scored by Forrest Walter from Jake Weil midway through the second quarter, making it 6-1. (Manhasset ledt 5-0 after the first quarter.)

      • Indian J says:

        Manhasset and Coach Cherry, a class act and such an exceptional program. I give Jay props for playing hard with them and if that was Manhasset’s best effort of the year, I’m glad Jay held them to ten. Now it’s time to use the experience and move forward.

        • Indian Nay says:

          What? John Jay defense played OK in the first quarter, but they had to be exhausted… the rest of the team played absolutely horribly… missed passes, missed ground balls, poor poor play. I am not taking anything away from Manhasset, they were great… but I would give Jay no props.. they were embarrassing.

        • Joe Lombardi says:

          Just to add to that, Indian J, Manhasset pulled most of its starters after going ahead 10-1 after the third quarter and there was no scoring in the fourth quarter, of course.

      • LoveTownLax says:

        Joe, this border color hurts the eyes!

        • Joe Lombardi says:

          Agreed, LTL. Not my doing. Hopefully it was a first – and a last! Haha.

          • jj fan says:

            let’s hope so!! haha — let’s face it ‘set is always one of the top teams in the country. jj should not let this loss get to them. even though they have lost more games this year then all of last season doesn’t mean a thing. they now play a schedule that they should win most of the games and takes them into the playoffs. let’s face it the playoffs is what really counts

          • ROLAX says:

            People were debating who was better JJ or Darien. JJ gave up 10. That’s with the Guru’s D. They could only muster 1? This was the team going to win States. They didn’t exactly blowout Rye. You think N C this week end. L P. Mahopac, Somers, will just roll over?

          • P&G says:

            No one said they would win the states. And no one will roll over. John Jay was pasted by ‘Set last year, and ended up having a pretty good year. Manhasset isn’t exactly Peekskill.

            I’m not making any excuses, but they are not fielding the team that was expected. Let’s see if they get healthy, and if they don’t so be it – we’ll see what they can accomplish.

          • jj fan says:

            no one said this jj team will or would win the states. there are a lot of games left and all they need to do is make the playoffs. obviously they cannot do better than last year but they can be competive and hopefully make some noise come playoff time!

  27. score says:

    Hen Hud-6
    Bronxville-15

  28. trouble on the high seas says:

    After the drubbing Hen Hud took today from Bronxville, things look to get even worse for the Sailors. They play Montgomery from NJ who don’t look too good themselves but then it’s ‘pac, PV, Somers, Fordham Prep and JJ and I would say that equals a definite 5 game losing streak at best.

  29. sec1 says:

    7-6 Town at Half very Sloppy

  30. Hooper says:

    6-0 LaSalle very early. Wilton’s defense cant stop a nosebleed right now.

  31. Indian Joe says:

    score pls – JJ and Manhasset?!

  32. Ta-Da says:

    No one wants to take their Iphone out in the rain :p

  33. 2-0 says:

    L/P vs Rye score?

  34. laxidasicle says:

    nice yellow background though

  35. laxbuff says:

    Y-Town vs Pac score ???

  36. ma says:

    Pac wins in OT…Town should be embrassed. Weak effort by Town.

  37. Just a Fan says:

    Did town leave the starters home? They should have won that game going away.

    • scooter says:

      That’s why they play the game.

      • Just a Fan says:

        Agreed. All that matters are the scores at the end. All the chat on these blogs is fun, but its just us giving our opinions. Section one doesn’t have a “powerhouse” this year. Going to be some interesting records.

  38. Joe Lombardi says:

    Final: Fox Lane 10, Nyack 3

  39. HV Lax says:

    Final was Mahopac 12 Yorktown 11 in double OT

  40. sec1 says:

    Town needs to go back and work on the basics, that’s where the game was lost. Give credit to Pac they cared for the ball, and played under contol for the most part. The Goalie play was very poor for both teams, except in OT.

  41. lax-for-life says:

    LP 8- Rye 7 Final

  42. Bronco Bob says:

    Bronxville 15, Hen Hud 6 – FINAL

  43. Just saying says:

    Section is down this year – out of town games could be ugly (JJ, Town, IP)

  44. CT Lax says:

    Staples 10, St John The Baptist 9 OT

  45. justlaxin says:

    Great effort by Pac. Why was Schuldt out? So many injuries across Section 1 teams this year.

  46. Pac Man says:

    Great job men!!! Anthony Berardis had the game winner. This was Pac’s first win over Town since 1999!!

  47. IndianChief45 says:

    Town had won 14 straight vs Pac. Way to go guys!!!

  48. slacrosse says:

    Congrats to LP on their 8-7 win. Real close game with LP’s goalie making a terrific save at game end to cement the win.

    Rye played its best overall game of the season which hopefully will build a positive “mo” going forward.

  49. slacrosse says:

    Hey congrats to Pac on their win over Town.

  50. john ron says:

    I am glad jj move the game time so there will no excuses about the weather!!!

  51. the boy who cried wolf says:

    We are seeing a lot of parity in Section 1 this year

  52. SWLAX says:

    PV v. Suffern?

  53. HV Lax says:

    Some stats from Pac 12-11 double OT win vs Town

    Pac

    Berardis 1-4
    Foley 4-1
    Carey 2-1

    Town

    Fusco 5-2
    Mabus 3-2

  54. nylaxin says:

    Foley was extremely impressive

  55. PVLAX says:

    Any score on the lacrosse game
    Arlington game vs Milford in
    CT

  56. Big Easy says:

    Will the Arlington-New Milford game be played tonight? Was it at NM of Arlington? That’s a nice matchup of big schools in that region….they are only about 20 (guessing here!) miles apart as the crow flies…

    • smitty says:

      Arlington’s best effort this year by far. Came out flying, 11-1 at half. 16-4 early 4th when ahs cleared the bench. New milford scored 4-5 goals last 5 mins against 2nd and 3rd stringers. Final 17-10 but game total blowout! Strong effort by admirals..

    • PVLAX says:

      Arlington wins 17-10 vs New Milford

  57. jj alum. says:

    JJ has 14 college commits and lose to a down Manhasset team for there standards. Cold spring harbor scored 11 on them. These coaches have to change things right away.

    • Salem Shores says:

      John Jay just didn’t have the ball – and the weather didn’t help.

      • Lax Supporter says:

        JJ had the ball, they just didnt do anything with it when thy did have it. The weather was fine as it didnt start raining hard until JJ was down 8-1 midway thru the 3rd.

        JJ won most of the faceoffs but couldn’t do anything w/ their offense,didnt connect on many of their forced passes inside so they had a good number of turnovers.

        when Sett had the ball they moved it quickly and the ball never seem to hit the ground. They are really good.

      • Kr says:

        this is not a down year for Manhasset. Lots of returning talent off a top team nationally and no weaknesses

  58. Lax n stuff says:

    Somers and Nisky got the game in late this afternoon at Union. Nisky won 11-3. Not a good day for Section 1 teams. There is parity for sure as The Boy who cried Wolf wrote.

    • SirLaxalot says:

      Coach Mike Vorgang does it again. He does more with less than any coach in the country. If he had the tradition and player interest some of these Section One teams do he would win state title after state title. Instead he consistently outcoaches them whenever they play – whether regular season or post season. If a Section One program were serious about winning state titles they would go out, get him a teaching job and give him the keys to their program.

      • Indian J says:

        Vorgang is excellent. He is one of the better coaches in NYS. He does however have interest and dedication. He prepares for opponents more than some of the old school coaches do because he knows it pays dividends. The philosophy that you can just teach a general platform and play every team the same way no longer works.

  59. Just saying says:

    Parity in Sec 1 but not matching up well outside of section. Still early in season. JJ the most surprising team so far – what is going on in cross river?

    • Lax Novice says:

      Not everyone is surprised.

    • NYmike says:

      Parity

      • D-Pac says:

        Nothing wrong with parity.
        There are several good teams in each league. Most of these boys have played with, or against each other on the various travel teams. They are used to each others style of play. More and more kids are getting into lacrosse at an earlier age. It’s great for the sport. It’s all good. Every team has to show up to beat another team. That’s the way it should be. Parity should not have a negative meaning. Yes there are the LI powerhouses and the few CT greats like Darien, but the tri-state area has some of the best lacrosse in the country. Section 1 is a great part of that and alive and well in college. Look at Ranigan, Bocklet, Marasco… Lacrosse is still tops in this area and nothing is wrong with parity.

        • lax says:

          D-Pac, extremely well put. Makes the season much more interesting. Even 10 years ago you could pretty much play the games on paper and you would be correct to 90%. Now there are still favorites but the slates of games are very good and it keeps your interest as far as how any games will actually play out.

          • D-Pac says:

            Thanks.
            The season isn’t even half done and it’s had it’s share of crazy games. Can’t wait for the playoffs. I love this sport!

    • Laxwell Smart says:

      Manhasset really seems to be hitting its stride.

  60. Laxtime says:

    Lakeland/Panas now 5-0. How many teams can lose their starting goalie and two AAs and do that? Impressive start.

    • nylaxin says:

      Their schedule has been on the softer side thus far, their biggest tests are yet to come both in and out of section 1. Nonetheless, they have certainly looked good even with some of those losses

    • lax says:

      Not just the goalie, the entire defensive half of the field. Not to mention they’re starting two freshman and playing two more.

  61. Lax Novice says:

    There is full game film found of today’s Haverford – Darien game on kudda.com via the following link:

    http://kudda-files.com/game/lacrosse/darien-haverford-2-vs-1/

  62. UHHH, NO! says:

    Indian J and Sir Lax alot. Only word I can Use is CLUELESS.
    Yes Mike Voorgang is a very good coach. But to say he has worked with less talent then any of these other teams is ludacris. Year in year out there are 3-4, if not more Div 1 recruits on Niskayuna. Delaware, Harvard, Penn State, Georgetown and more. I think your not giving guys around here enough credit who actually work with less.

    • Indian J says:

      I have been watching lacrosse for a long time and I mentioned that Niskayuna does have talent. Talent, coaching, and college recruitment are not all mutually exclusive. The talent Vorgang works with every season is different, yet, his results are similar. Niskayuna routinely beats teams that are of equal talent or talent that is superior. They have a defense that is very difficult to beat and they are extremely disciplined offensively as well.

      I take away nothing from coaches around Section One. Maher, the Dooleys and a number of other Section one coaches are great. I take exception to your “clueless in caps”.

  63. Lax Guy says:

    Great game by Pac yesterday played very patient on offense and tough on D
    This is the game winner in 2 OT

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tF0ox65n3M&feature=email

  64. sec1 says:

    UHHH, NO
    I agree with you on how many Nisky guys play at D 1 and others. I think you forgot Jack Reiley at Hopkins and Mark Bryant who also was at Hop. Where Vorgang really shines is on the Defense, Nisky is a top program in the State and very welcome to Sec 1 at playoff time who loves good Lax!

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