Photo by Jim Stout/MaxPreps.com

Midfielder Frank Buffalino and Syosset square off against Cold Spring Harbor today.

The Suffolk Class A race has been even more interesting that we anticipated heading into this season.

That’s definitely the case today as West Islip, winners of four of the last five Class A state titles and off to a somewhat surprising 12-0 start, takes on a Smithtown West that has plenty of talent on both offense and defense and whose only losses in 11 games played have been to Garden City and Ward Melville.

Also of note on the Island today, today of Section 8’s premier programs square off when Syosset hosts Cold Spring Harbor.

Before we run down today’s slate, let’s take a sneak peek ahead to tomorrow.

The Charlie Murphy Cup has been an annual tradition in Northern Westchester. The Lakeland/Panas vs. Yorktown rivalry game that honors a man who was the catalyst of the birth of Yorktown lacrosse, which in turn, spurred the start of lacrosse at programs like Lakeland/Panas, Mahopac and John Jay.

You wonder if Charlie Murphy had never moved to Yorktown and met a teacher at YHS who grew up in Long Island, the program’s first head coach, Jim Turnbull, where Section 1 lacrosse would be right now. Because clearly, Yorktown’s rise was the catalyst for the start of programs throughout the region.

It’s a fascinating story that we explore in depth today at 6 p.m. on MSG Varsity’s “High School SportsDesk” at 6 p.m. on Channel 14 (Optimum). (The show reairs at 9 p.m.) In the meantime, you can check out the all-time scores in the 21-year history of the Murphy Cup by clicking here.

We also have a special page at msgvarsity.com devoted to the Charlie Murphy Cup and the preview segment. You can check it out by clicking here.

Here’s today’s rundown:

Wallkill at Saugerties, 3:30 p.m.
Bay Shore at Smithtown East, 4 p.m.
O’Neill at Nyack, 4 p.m.
Albertus Magnus at Nanuet, 4:15 p.m.
Wilton at Westhill, 4:30 p.m.
Smithtown West at West Islip, 4:30 p.m.
Connetquot at East Islip, 4:30 p.m.
Mepham at East Meadown, 4:30 p.m.
Carey at Oceanside, 4:30 p.m.
Levittown Division at Bethpage, 4:30 p.m.
Mamaroneck at Eastchester, 4:30 p.m.
Scarsdale at Pelham, 4:30 p.m.
Cold Spring Harbor at Syosset, 4:30 p.m.
Hastings at Irvington, 4:30 p.m.
Washingtonville at Clarkstown North, 4:30 p.m.
Smithtown East at Half Hollow Hills West, 4:30 p.m.
Northport at Walt Whitman, 4:45 p.m.
Seaford at Floral Park, 4:45 p.m.
Haldane at Peekskill at Torpy Field, 4:45 p.m.
New Rochelle at Ardsley, 5 p.m.
New Paltz at Red Hook, 5 p.m.
Burke Catholic at Highland at Highland Middle School, 5 p.m.
Westlake at Keio, 5 p.m.
Bronxville at White Plains, 7 p.m.

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

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

College schedule/results
For a rundown of this week’s D-I slate and games you can watch 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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83 Responses to “Gameday Friday, 5/6: Smithtown West takes on West Islip; Cold Spring Harbor visits Syosset; Scarsdale plays at Pelham”

  1. upstate says:

    I guess you have to take WI over smithtown west today.

    WI – 11
    SW – 8

  2. Indian J says:

    Will Jay have any shot with Massapequa ?

    • F&MviaTP says:

      You always got a shot..congrats for having the foresight to play ‘set, & ‘pequa as well as Rfield & NC. Going outside the sect for match-ups stretches a team, gets em ready for the playoffs & by playing LI teams like ‘set & ‘pequa makes you better. Playing up to your competition is always better than playing down & breezing thru the season w/o really being tested

  3. Old Rugger says:

    JJ playing better as offense seems to be starting to move the ball better and shot selection while still questionable at times is much better than earlier in the year when they were forcing it trying to make something happen when it wasn’t there. I think it should be a close game, guys like Lupinacci, Chen stepping up and guys like Ferentini filling in. Who has been starting in goal for them lately?
    Pequa 9 JJ 8
    SW 9 WI 8
    Syosset 7 CSH 6
    Conetequot 11 EI 10 this should be a very good game as well as the SW WI game
    Pelham 11 Scarsdale 9
    Bville 12 WP 9

    • sectone says:

      Branca has been starting in goal the last few games (since L/P). I thought he played well in the Mahopac game.

  4. ReLAX says:

    WI 11 SW 9
    Scarsdale 8 Pelham 7
    Wh. Plains 9 Bronxville 8 (upset special)

    • lax says:

      you’re 1 for 3…who you liking in the Derby? or better yet, who don’t you like? lol

      • ReLAX says:

        Uncle Mo’s a scratch but frontrunners like you want Dialed In

        • Joe Lombardi says:

          reLAX – It’s fine to argue your points in the course of discussing various topics, of course. But remember, one important rule. Always be respectful of your fellow posters. I’m confident that’s the last time I’ll have to remind you about that.

          Also, please don’t repeat the same arguments/points again and again in comments. It’s a waste of your time and ours. Make your point once. If someone follows up with another point, address that. But don’t repeat the same point/theme repeatedly.

          • ReLAX says:

            No problem. I’ll use “blogging blowhard” & other terms. Sorry Joe

          • Joe Lombardi says:

            Also, please make note about being repetitive. Case in point, the comments about Bronxville’s schedule strength. You and others have made your point. Others have made theirs. Now, it’s really played itself out. Let’s move on to new ground rather than rehashing old points.

          • ReLAX says:

            It really hasn’t played itself out. 12-1 record. 1 loss to mamaroneck. W/ the weak remaining 3 games, all that’s avlb is the upcoming possibility of CSH etc. But I will turn my attention to the ridiculous notion that except for schuldt town’s O is soft. Did he ever see Mabus. He broke a defenders stick in two w/ a bull dodge @ a game I think you were at as well @ Charlie Murphy Field earlier this season. Ludicrous comment..but again I will try & wait til playoffs to comment on bvlle. They’re very good, just new to the block, so to speak

  5. LI Lax says:

    If Kyle Keenan does not play, which I expect he won’t, I’ll take WI 8-6.

    Give me Connetquot 10-8, Northport 15-13, CSH 5-3.

    As for Pequa/JJ…Pequa would be no better than 5th in Suffolk A…JJ can probably give them a good game. I’ll take Pequa 9-8 as well.

  6. LI Lax says:

    WI 6, SW 5 4 minutes remaining in the third.

    • LI Lax says:

      7-5 WI early fourth…Keenan is not playing.

      • LI Lax says:

        7-7, 3 minutes left.

        • LI Lax says:

          OT, what a shock.

          • LI Lax says:

            WI wins, the streak is at 33. Their third OT league game so far.

          • Doid23 says:

            What a league.

          • Big Lax Fan says:

            Hard to believe West Islip isn’t #1 in the polls. Suffolk Cty and NY Lax are amazingly tough! PA is still behind in the number of QUALITY teams!

          • LI Lax says:

            Haverford has played a MUCH harder schedule than WI. It’s not that close. I’m a pretty big Suffolk homer too.

          • ReLAX says:

            Absolutely PA doesn’t stand a chance depth wise. This is the 1st time they’ve been in the conversation..please

          • laxr says:

            Seriously? West Islip has had 3 OT games, another one goal game, a very close call against Northport, and another relatively close call against Bay Shore. I understand that most of these opponents were quality teams, but West Islip has been far from dominant. Compare that to Haverford, who swept the MIAA teams they faced despite having started practicing a few weeks later, and having to travel down to McDonogh and St. Paul’s (who came up to LI and beat Garden City). Once they got a few games under their belt, they really hit their groove. Darien was able to hang in for a half, but lost 11-5. Ditto Lasalle, who lost 13-6. Last week’s #2 Conestoga was punished early and often in an 11-6 loss to the Fords that wasn’t even that close. Not a fan of WI or Haverford, but not only has Haverford played a more demanding schedule, but they have been dominant of late (they have been almost untouchable in the second half, when their depth has buried even the best teams on their schedule).

          • ReLAX says:

            Think about it…you’re comparing everything the state of PA has to Suffolk. Compare PA to NY. NY rules lax nationwide….. FACT

          • laxr says:

            I don’t get your point ReLAX. Besides, it doesn’t matter if PA doesn’t have as many great teams as NY, the point is that Haverford plays the great ones that PA does have, such as Malvern Prep, Conestoga, Lasalle, St. Joe’s Prep, and Germantown Academy (the played MP and GA twice at that, w/ a possible third game on the way against either). This group of teams is comparable to the group that WI has played, but it doesn’t stop their. Haverford also played St. Paul’s (who, again, beat GC), McDonogh (second best team in the MIAA), Loyola-Blakefield, and Darien.

  7. LI Lax says:

    Whitman 9, Northport 6 at half.

  8. Joe Lombardi says:

    With WI’s latest OT win, the weekend is off to quite a start.

    Tomorrow, of course, will be some more border wars, including Darien/New Canaan and Lakeland/Panas and Yorktown in the Charlie Murphy Cup.

    Tonight on MSG Varsity’s “High School SportsDesk,” we took a look at the man who pioneered the growth of lacrosse not only at Yorktown, but the entire Hudson Valley, Charlie Murphy.

    In case you missed that report, you can check it out by clicking here.

    The segment runs four minutes.

    You can check out all the interviews we did for the segment in their entirety, plus much more on the newly created “Murphy Cup Central” page at msgvarsity.com. Check out the page here.

  9. LI Lax says:

    ReLax, you gotta get out more. Watch some gametapes. Haverford is the clear #1 right now. They have wins over Conestoga, Darien, Malvern Prep, McDonogh, St. Paul’s, La Salle, St. Joe’s Prep, Germantown Academy. Every one of those teams has been in the top 25 at some point, and all are top 50 at least…it’s an insane schedule and they’re undefeated. They are the real deal.

    • ReLAX says:

      LI lax I’ll give em #1 but in NO WAY is PA lax better than NY I’m talkin all of LI, Sect 1 Upstate & Finger Lakes as well as our Catholics & preps…PLEASE NO…NO HOW… you need smelling salts kid?

      • slacrosse says:

        Agree

        • ReLAX says:

          Really, dude goes by the handle LI Lax & won’t represent..that’s what’s wrong w/ this world…NO LOYALTY

          • LI Lax says:

            Watch some games. And read what I said. This isn’t about states. It is about teams. Haverford is sick and they have tons of quality wins. Can you quote me where I said ‘PA is better than NY?’

          • ReLAX says:

            Whatever PAL I said NY was King overall & birds started chirpin..good….great a private school fr PA is #1….. very proud of em!!!

          • LI Lax says:

            Who said anything about public/private? Haverford is a great team. WI is very good, but they are not at Haverford’s level. You’re making this argument into something that it is not. Go find another tree to bark up.

          • laxman says:

            LI Lax your wrong on this whole argument. Big Lax Fan stated that suffolk teams AND NY lax are at the top of the teir and have the best lacrosse and that PA was not up to that level yet. He was comparing county/ state vs state. He never said anything about a specific team (ie haverford vs LI teams) he just stated one state was better OVERALL than the other state. Which is completely true the depth of LI lax/NY lax is very deep and something PA is far from.

    • ReLAX says:

      Real Deal Fine..I’m not saying they aren’t #1 I’m saying the best state in the nation for lax is NY..hands down.. Are you fr the Main Line kid?

  10. westchester111 says:

    I like Yorktown 11-8 tomorrow in the Murphy Cup

  11. Mamaroneck says:

    Any word on the White Plains Bronxville game?

  12. HV Lax says:

    Pelham beat Scarsdale 5-4

    Mamo beat Eastchester 8-5

  13. Just a Fan says:

    Town 13-8

  14. Joe Lombardi says:

    Just got word, Bronxville beat White Plains 14-6.

    • lax says:

      Dominating performance by Bronxville. Bronxville coach must have been reading the blogs because they kept their foot on the gas until the last 4 minutes of the game and the score 14-3. He then subbed out the entire team.

      • ReLAX says:

        I’m sure he did…..did you see CSH played Syosset today. Better hope CSH has a brake pedal come playoffs

      • ReLAX says:

        I can’t wait to see what happens come playoffs.. If you get out of the section .. The fact that this team is untested except for A) a loss to mamaroneck & B) a shaky win vs Fordham will come into play. At that time we’ll find out about the players & coches….did you see CSH beat syosset lol!!!!

      • ReLAX says:

        Hey lax…your boys should finish out strong w/ Echester, Sdale, & Ctown S…all 3 under .500 & a combined 15-23 record LOL!!! That’ll get ya ready for the playoffs

      • ReLAX says:

        The 12-1 broncos have played three teams w/ winning records. They are Fox Lane, Pelham & Fordham. Wow impressive playoff resume

      • ReLAX says:

        The 9-4 CSH Seahawks have played 10 teams w/ winning records, which include manhasset, Huntington, somers, friends & syosset. NICE

        • LI Lax says:

          LOL you just used Somers as an example of a good team when you’ve been anti-Section 1 trolling.

        • laxfan says:

          ReLAX, before we continue though, are you mad that your prediction was so wrong? Because barring that you would have to call it a case of sour grapes and no matter what Bronxville did they would not get their due from you. If your bold prediction of a 1 goal loss had been true, you would have puffed out your chest and said, “see everyone, I am a true lax maven”. If they had won a close one you could say, “well, I was wrong but it was very close and they stil can’t drop the hammer on anyone”. Instead, they blow out White Plains and yes, that was an old fashioned country whipping, and you say, “well, well, but wait until they face Wossamata U, then they’ll see”. So how exactly would they get any props from you? Unless you can admit you were way off the mark, I am afraid you fall into the category of just another “blogging blowhard”. The team you saw last night from Bronxville is, for better or worse, the team you will see in the playoffs. That was them at pretty much full strength. Doesn’t mean they will win the section must less the states but you would have to say that at full strength, they are a fairly good team that any team will have to get up for and not take lightly. Plus, please enlighten us as to why your prediction was so off the mark. What variables conspired to make your prediction completely wrong?

          • ReLAX says:

            WP was @ home. Broncos didn’t impress in their last meeting @ bvlle. Bvlle loss @ mamaroneck. Respectfully submitted from the “blogging blowhard” which wasn’t very nice. My feelings are hurt 🙁

          • laxfan says:

            no, no, no, you still have not addressed the questions.
            1) what could Bronxville have done to earn props from you.

            not asking whether WP was home, whether they did or did not impress at their last meeting (a rain soaked affair, btw) or what happened at Mamaroneck.

            Pleae, you’re skirting the issues and these are actually very simple questions, now, refer back to question 1.

            2)why was your initial prediction or, as you call it, your “upset special” so off the mark which somewhat leads to question 2A) what variables conspired to make your prediction completely wrong.

            See, if you can’t answer those questions on an anonymous blog, it does qualify you, unfortunately as a “blogging blowhard” aptly named for those who consistently throw a lot s^&t against the wall and as soon as some of it sticks want to alert the world as to their brilliance but when wrong, feel they have no need to back it up, so pelase, just answere those simple questions

          • laxfan says:

            OK, so those can be construed as the variables but, again, what could they have done to get your approval and what transpired that those variables you mentioned did not come into play? Could they be better than you are giving them credit for?

          • ReLAX says:

            I have already said they are very good, their record of 12-1 vs 3 teams w/ winning records 1 pelham which they beat twice speaks for itself. I just thought another TIGER Upset was in the making.

          • ReLAX says:

            As far as being better then I give them credit for, I expect the ville to cruise thru Sect.1 C it’s when they Beat CSH or Friends which sadly will knock one another out, because they have to play tough comp, it’s when the ville beats one of them, don’t know about who’s coming down fr upstate, it’s when they beat one of them, that’s when they are better than I give them credit for

          • laxfan says:

            again, not as simple as saying they only played 3 winning teams. Let’s see what quality teams they played and whether you think they are quality teams or not. Just to say winning records is tough because they themselves contributed to their opponents losing records. When they played Put Valley they were thought to be quality but have proven not to be great so we won’t even list them. You might not want Pelham on there either but its debatable and Eastchester and Scarsdale are both having tough seasons however, Fox Lane, Mamo, WP, Hendrik Hudson, Greely and Fordham Prep would all have to be considered very good competition, no?

          • ReLAX says:

            The six you mention are average except maybe Fordham. Look at CSH’s sched for very good comp. Your beating a dead horse but I give you credit for trying. And by the way, IF bville wins the states I’ll post that they played very good comp @ the end of their magical run to finish up 19-1 or 20-1 whatever it turns out to be

          • lax says:

            Laxfan just owned

  15. Green White says:

    Joe – Great video on Murph and the history of the Cup. As usual tremendous excellent job.

  16. Joe Lombardi says:

    For more on WI’s win over SW, check A.J. Voelpel’s story for the West Islip Patch: http://westislip.patch.com/articles/moores-goal-in-ot-lifts-west-islip-over-smithtown-west

    • Lax Novice says:

      I guess Smithtown West held WI’s goalie scoreless, still didn’t help.

      • Joe Lombardi says:

        True, Lax Novice. I hope this isn’t the start of a scoring slump for Kyle.

        • Lax Novice says:

          LOL you know he was looking for the opportunity again.

          btw, the FCIAC – Section 1 standings are now 6-2 for the Nutmeg State, Rye handling New Canaan 12-8 and Staples of Westport doubling up Horace Greeley 12-6. No cross-border games tomorrow, next up are two games on Tuesday. Yorktown pays a visit to one of its greatest alumni, Coach Roy Colsey’s Ridgefield Tigers while the inaugural-season Carmel Rams host neighbor Danbury.

  17. IslandLaxpert says:

    CSH 10, Syosset 8

    Doyle 3-2 Moriarty 3-1 for CSH

    Feit, Hopkins sophomore commit, had 20 saves or it would have been ugly.

    • ReLAX says:

      There’s a 12-1 team in sect 1 that I hear can stay on cruise control til they meet up w/ you. Learn them boys…as the hillbillys would say

      • LI Lax says:

        Get over yourself.

        • ReLAX says:

          Bark up another tree

          • LI Lax says:

            CSH has lost to Huntington, Somers, and Hicksville. If they lose to Bronxville, I doubt we’ll ever see you on here again.

            I guess you don’t read laxpower at all, you’d know where I’m from, and it’s not Philly. Good try, though. I just recognize good lacrosse where I see it. There are a lot of good teams in southeast PA.

        • ReLAX says:

          Read laxman’s comments about Big Lax Fans statement…ur losin it kid…I hear ginko boosts memory…you really live in Philly don’t ya?

          • SWLAX says:

            Do you think it’s a coincidence that ReLAX, Tongue in Cheek and F&MviaTP’s names are the only ones that shows up in Green on the blog? If it’s the same guy, which it seems it is, he needs to get a life. Are you creating people so that it looks like people agree with you? Ha! Check out nearly identical posts on Thurs from Tongue in Cheek and F&M…

  18. LI Lax says:

    Laxman- while that point is to be debated as well (SEPA alone has Haverford, Conestoga, St. Joe’s Prep, La Salle, Garnet Valley, Germantown Academy, Malvern Prep, Episcopal Academy, Springfield…), I generally agree that the depth of teams on LI is greater than in SEPA. However, the last time teams from the respective regions met, St. Joe’s Prep beat St. Anthony’s. SEPA is a hotbed, there is no denying it. Anyway, this whole argument is moot because the original question was ‘Why isn’t WI #1?’ The reason is that Haverford has a better team, has played a better schedule, and is still undefeated. They have blown out good teams, while WI has squeaked by.

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