PHOENIX AREA AT A GLANCE
Perkiomen Valley Coach: Bryan Churchey, fifth season
Last year’s record: 10-4PAC, 12-7overall (District 1playoff second round)
Players to watch: Seniors Shawn Coulter, midfield; Matt Dudley, attack; Mario Scotese, midfield; ConnorWilley, midfield; Kyle Beaudoin, mid./def.; Nick Marren, defense; Sam Bonavita, defense; Kevin Mo, goalie; David Neilsen, attack. Juniors Brian Fehr, attack; Remy Sell, defense/LSM; Richie Marshall, att./mid./FO. Sophomores Connor Donovan, LSM; Nick Steele, mid. Freshman Matt Brock, mid./FO.
Outlook: Perk Valley has been pushing to break up the Spring-Ford/Owen J. Roberts reign of dominance in the PAC since Bryan Churchey took over five seasons ago. It has come close on multiple occasions only to find disappointment. If the Vikings are ever going to break through, this is the year. PV returns a large, experienced senior group that includes All-PAC first team middie Shawn Coulter (44G, 23A), defender Nick Marren (Lehigh recruit) and second team goalie Kevin Mo (Seton Hill). “Honestly, we feel we are strong in all areas of the field this year. All units are strong, we are still working out stuff on offense so maybe defense has a slight edge but both sides, and special teams, have looked good thus far,” Churchey said. “Hopefully we can maintain our focus and be playing our best lacrosse in late April/ early May when it’s going to matter most.”
Phoenixville Coach: Chip Mittnacht, first season. Last year’s record: 1-13PAC, 2-16overall.
Players to watch: Matt Lo Polito, defense; Max Farbstein, defense; Derek Bullota, attack; Danny Jackson, midfield
Outlook: First-year coach Chip Mittnacht is looking for a close-knit culture around the Phoenixville program to help it improve from last year’s two-win season. Returning All-Area honorable mentions Danny Jackson and Matt Lopolito lead a group that has some experience. “If they perform and execute the way I know they can, the talent of the team will shine through,” Mittnacht said. — Austin Hertzog; ahertzog@pottsmerc.com