No. 1 McDonogh eyeing three-peat in 2024

Eagles coach says new group seeking its own identity

Every year, one team takes on the mighty Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference lacrosse season with a special label — defending champion.

For a second straight year, the title belongs to No. 1 McDonogh, which is aiming to become the third team in league history to win three straight championships. Loyola Blakefield (200608) was the first and Calvert Hall (2017-19) was the most recent.

For McDonogh coach Andy Hilgartner, the constant message to his Eagles throughout the offseason has been the importance of carving out their own identity.

“We’ve had different culture meetings leading into the season where we focus on what this team wants to be known for and what are the things we want to focus on that makes us unique,” he said.

Ultimate success starts with leadership from the senior class with defensive midfielders Andrew Kasten and Chase Green keys in back, Ben Firlie the midfield catalyst and Luke Miller an important piece on attack.

“Each senior class is a little different and I think this group has done a really good job of wanting to continue the strong legacy and leave the program in a good place after this year,” Hilgartner said. “But they’ve shown how much they want to put their own mark on McDonogh lacrosse.”

League opening day awaits

Everybody in MIAA lacrosse circles knows how special the league’s opening day is. This year, it’s next Tuesday when all the work, bonding and commitment that began soon after the conclusion of last year’s title game comes to fruition.

“You work all year for that day, for the MIAA season to start up. And you know that every MIAA team is hungry, so there’s a special vibe that comes with it,” Boys’ Latin coach Brian Farrell said. “You know that now they all count, so there’s a different focus and it’s pretty cool.”

While an opening-day win is what every team looks for, it’s only the start of a 10-game league schedule. St. Mary’s coach Victor Lilly says it provides a vital measuring stick with how prepared the team is and what may be needed to grow into a playoff contender. He noted that his Saints opened with a 13-3 win over Calvert Hall last year and the Cardinals ended up in the championship game.

“The outcome is the outcome,” Lilly said. “We get 10 opportunities and hope to get at least six wins to try to get to the playoffs. But after that first game, you kind of know if you’re prepared.”

St. Mary’s grinding to get up to speed

With nine new starters, St. Mary’s hit the road with a challenging nonconference slate to get needed game experience for the newcomers.

The Saints (3-3) are closing with three games in six days covering three states. After falling to Pennsylvania-power La Salle, 4-2, on

Friday, they took on another Pennsylvania foe, Springdale Chestnut Hill, Monday in College Park before one final test at Delaware-power Salesianum on Wednesday.

“[These games] are important to win, but more important to compete,” Lilly said. “We need to play games to get game experience as close to the MIAA competition as we can get. So we will have been challenged at a very high level going into Calvert Hall and that’s something we couldn’t get just in practice, so we took to the road.”

New coaches on the scene

Three programs have new leaders with Will Haus taking over at Loyola Blakefield, Gunnar Waldt guiding John Carroll and Evan Hockel in place at Archbishop Spalding.

While Waldt and Hockel have official ties to the league — Waldt was a standout goalie at St. Paul’s and Hockel enjoyed a stellar playing career at Spalding — Haus’ connection comes through his father, John, who is a 1979 Loyola graduate and was a longtime assistant coach under for Dons’ coach Joe McFadden.

Keep an eye on …

Picking up from his outstanding sophomore season, the explosive midfielder has a team-high 20 points in the Crusaders’ 3-1 start.

The versatile senior who can play on attack and midfield has a team-high 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) for the Admirals, who have scored 90 goals in their 4-2 start.

The junior faceoff specialist has consistently been getting the Greyhounds the ball in their 3-2 start, which includes wins over nationally ranked Georgetown Prep and Washington’s St. John’s.

The senior captain has been the defending champion’s early-season glue with strong play at defensive midfield, pushing up on attack and quality wing play on faceoffs.

The junior midfielder has proven a versatile offensive threat in nonconference play, totaling 10 goals and eight assists in the Cardinals’ first five games.

With the largely new cast, the Saints are looking for leaders and the junior midfielder has stepped up with solid two-way play and a team-first approach.

Schedule

Here’s a look at the opening-day afternoon slate next Tuesday. Gilman starts league play on April 5.

4

St. Mary’s at Calvert Hall,

Loyola Blakefield Mount Saint Joseph, 4

Boys’ Latin at Archbishop Spalding, 4

John Carroll at Severn, 4:15

St. Paul’s at McDonogh, 4:30

at

John Carroll at Gilman, 4:15

This is the first bi-weekly notebook highlighting MIAA A Conference lacrosse. To submit stats and scores, email reporter Glenn Graham at ggraham@baltsun.com. The next notebook will be published on April 9.