WHS Boys Lacrosse Looks For Winning Season

This year figures to be very different than last for the Westfield High School boy's lacrosse team. The Blue Devils finished 4-15 in 2009 and 3-16 two years ago. Very unlike the record that head coach Marc Silbergeld expects to see this year.

"We have everybody back,'' said the third-year coach, an English teacher, who played for the Blue Devils in 1987 when they won their last state title. "Our whole offense is back.''

Good to know for the Blue Devils, whose last winning season of 13-6 was in 2007.

"We need to improve in every aspect of the game,'' Silbergeld said. "With the kind of level of competition we play, we're going to need it.''

The Blue Devils will be led by senior middle Connor Hewett, who will play college lacrosse at Franklin & Marshall. Hewett, like a number of his teammates, will be entering his third season as a varsity player. The elusive Hewett had 35 goals last season to follow up his 31 of 2008. He was the team's offensive MVP last year.
Senior defenders Andrew Arnold (Siena College,  N.Y.) and Alexander Maslow (Roanoke College, Va.) will give the Blue Devils outstanding leadership in their pursuit to turn their fortunes around.

Arnold is in his third year as a starter and is captain of the defense. He led the team in ground balls last year and has been the team's defensive MVP the past two years.
Senior attack John Bohlinger (Mary Washington College, Va.) led the team in total points with 20 goals and 21 assists last season.

Senior defender Evan Rosenburgh is another strong experienced player that will be in front of junior keeper Jeff LaForge. Senior long stick Pat Sabatino and senior middie Sean Scrudato (Stevens Institute of Technology).  Scrudato, who has played three varsity seasons, had 12 goals and 18 assists last year and won the coach's award.

Scrudato, Bohlinger, Hewett and Arnold are the team's captains.

"We have a lot of seniors with a good mix of talented juniors,'' Silbergeld said.

The team's schedule will be much different than last year. The Blue Devils are now in the Union County Interscholastic League and the majority of the schedule will be against county opponents, including defending Tournament of Champions champ Summit. The Blue Devils open the season April 3 at Livingston, then play host to A.L. Johnson at 4:30 April 6 at Kehler Stadium.

"We're looking for nine wins, if not, then better,'' said Silbergeld, who added that he was pleased with the way the team performed in scrimmages.