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LaxLessons – The Leader.

Our groundbreaking, imitated, but never duplicated coverage,

and Recruiting Rundown, launched in 2009.

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Fall 2014 Signing Week coverage

Click here for LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings

It was a season that will go down in history for the Smithtown East (NY) varsity boys lacrosse program.

Smithtown East won the Suffolk County title for the first time and dealt archrival Smithtown West its first loss after an 11-0 start.

But 2014 Smithtown East thrived on playing the role of underdog. This coming season, that will not be the case. The East-side Bulls are favorites in not only Suffolk Class A, but all of Long Island, given LIC and state champ Massapequa’s significant graduation losses.

But before we get to the postseason, there’s a new wrinkle in the regular season. Namely, Suffolk County Division 1 — acknowledged as the top HS conference from top to bottom anywhere from sea to shining sea — has been split in half.

The Suffolk County league realignments we first reported here back in the fall have brought a sea change to Section 11. (For more, check this Q&A on the realignments.)

That’s one of the topics we discuss with one of the players not only on Long Island but in the entire varsity lax galaxy: Smithtown East senior attackman Brian Willetts, who ranked high in LaxLessons.com’s recently released Top 100 Tristate Preseason Player Rankings.

The 6-foot-3 Willetts, an outstanding athlete known for his blistering and accurate shot, changed his college choice from North Carolina to Notre Dame.

Now, here are Brian’s perspectives on the upcoming season.

What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
This offseason, I have been a part of the basketball team although I’ve been recovering from an injury.

I’ve still been able to go to the gym and play wall ball, but I’m not able to run until we get closer to the season.

How does your schedule look, what games are you looking forward to most, and who are some of your scrimmages against?
We’re disappointed with the change in the league. However, our coaches did a great job of scheduling some tough non-league games to make the season fun and competitive, including (defending state champions) Bronxville (NY Class C) and Greenwich (Connecticut Class L).

As always, we look forward to playing league games against West Islip and Smithtown West.

Our scrimmages are against Hauppauge and Miller Place.

What players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
One player that continues to develop and get better is James Sarrocco. As a senior captain, he’ll be expected to lead the defense.

Also, Sean Turner will get his opportunity to start in the cage his senior season. After summer tournaments it’s clear he’s ready to step in and make some big stops.

What do you think the strength of your team will be this year?
I believe the depth of our team is our biggest strength this year. I also feel offensively we will have a lot of production with help at the faceoff X from Gerard Arceri.

How do you view the race in your league and who do you think some of the contending teams will be?
I think West Islip and Smithtown West will be contenders in the league. We will play them back-to-back games toward the end of the season.

* Recent “Player’s perspective” stories

LaxLessons – The Leader 

* LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings