NA eyes another crown
Tri-State Sports & News Service
Ever since losing to Mt. Lebanon in the season opener, the North Allegheny boys lacrosse team has been a model of consistency.
Not only had the Tigers reeled off eight consecutive wins to move to the top of Class 3A Section 1, they had done it in decisive fashion by scoring in double figures five times and going 3-0 in games decided by two goals or less. That is until last week. North Allegheny (8-3) dropped two heartbreakers, a one-goal loss to Kiski Prep and a two-goal defeat at the hands of Class 2A juggernaut Mars. It was the first two-game skid for the Tigers since they dropped three in a row during the same week last season.
“I think we have a lot of talent, but this time of the year there are a lot of distractions, but the kids are still focused on what their goal is,” North Allegheny coach John Rullan said. “Right now there are five or six teams that are competing at a high level. I think we can play with any team in the league, but we have to show up.”
With only three games left in the regular season including tonight’s showdown with Bethel Park, North Allegheny remains in prime position to make a run not only at the section title, but at a third consecutive berth in the WPIAL finals and a second title in a row. The true test for the Tigers will likely come Monday when they take on Peters Township, which came into the week having scored at least 10 goals in its past nine.
“I think our defense has been our strong point all through the season and our offense is starting to come around,” Rullan said. “We just need to get back to what was working which was working hard and hustling because maybe we took things for granted a little bit.”
Still, with only a few games remaining before the playoffs are slated to open the week of May 15, the Tigers have plenty of time to get their game back to a championship level.
“I think we’ve improved as the year has gone on and, offensively, we’ve improved big league,” Rullan said. “Other things are starting to catch up and, considering where we are now, I think we can finish and I think we can really drive forward.”
Franklin Regional
Franklin Regional seemingly caught a break this season.
With the biennial PIAA realignment adding Class 2A into the mix and the WPIAL opting to place teams based on attendance rather than experience, the Panthers went from a Class 3A playoff team to a potential favorite to win it all.
“We look very good and, overall, the realignment has proven some challenges as the level of competition that we’re seeing isn’t what it was in years past,” Franklin Regional coach Eric Barnabei said. “It’s not as competitive.”
Franklin Regional (111), which opened with 11 consecutive wins, got its biggest test of the season last week when it fought back from four goals down to tie but lost in overtime, 13-12, to another potential contender in Hampton. The Panthers had only allowed 38 goals all season before that loss.
“Hampton has gone through a spurt like we have and, so far, that’s been our best opportunity to see how we measure up,” Barnabei said.