Huskies keep on rolling
When it comes to lacrosse IQ, the Hagerty Huskies are fast learners — even with a new coach.
Since falling to Lake Mary 12-5 in its season-opener, the Hagerty boys team has ripped off 11 consecutive wins to stand at 11-1 heading into the final weeks of the regular season. Along the way, the Huskies have toppled three teams that made the playoffs last season and all four of their opponents in District 9.
Hagerty, which is ranked No. 19 in the LAX Power state poll, thumped Lake Howell 15-0 on Wednesday to finish unbeaten in the district.
“Starting the season with an opponent like Lake Mary is never easy," said Hagerty first-year coach Kyle Hofstaedter, who took over for Kevin Farrington. “It was even harder because I only knew the boys for less than a month.
“The first game was a way to work out the kinks and find everybody's role on the team," Hofstaedter said. “It didn't end the way we wanted it to, but I think that was for the best. We made sure to watch that game film and it helped us see what we needed to work on and change. It has really helped us find our groove."
Hagerty proved as much, beating winning teams like Lake Brantley 12-6, Timber Creek 19-10, Merritt Island 15-7, Seminole 10-5, and Winter Park 15-9. Lake Brantley and Timber Creek made the playoffs last season.
More impressive is the fact that the Huskies have done it with a new system under Hofstaedter, a former close defenseman at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia who has coached at four colleges, including as head coach at Calvin College, a Division III school, in 2015.
“This team has great lacrosse IQ," Hofstaedter said. “To learn a system that I have used with my past college lacrosse programs is impressive, but to learn in such a short period of time is remarkable. It all starts though with having good stick skills. We spent less time working on our stick, which allowed us to focus on the new system and plays."
The Huskies’ stick skills have allowed them to hold seven opponents to six points or less, which has given their offense ample opportunity. And Hagerty has done it all with a relatively young team, starting two freshmen, two sophomores, four juniors and two seniors.
Senior attackman Jordan Collins leads the way with 28 goals.
Sophomore attackman Landon Spangenberg has 26 goals, freshman midfielder Carter Parlette is first in assists with 23, and junior midfielder Gunnar Hansen has a 67 winning percentage on faceoffs for Hagerty.
“For them to get a new coach halfway through the school year, learn a new system, execute the system and go on an 11-game win streak is just unbelievable," Hofstaedter said. “The talent and the lacrosse IQ that this young team has is second to none. It truly surprised me how quick they picked things up and executed them.
“This is why I believe they have the potential to do really well in district and state playoffs," Hofstaedter said. “The core of this team will be here for another year or two as we aim for a state championship."
Mary, River.
Boone,
Lake Minneola, Lake Seminole, Apopka, East