MaxPreps.com Staff Report
MaxPreps begins its coverage of lacrosse this week in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island, as well as New England's prep schools, launching the site's first sport-specific home page.
Dubbed "the fastest game on two feet," lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the country. Nearly 40 states have high school teams competing at the varsity or club level.
While Syracuse and Johns Hopkins have dominated collegiate lacrosse, winning a combined 17 national titles since the NCAA began sponsoring championships in 1971, the high school game has its own giants.
Huntington, N.Y., may top that list among states set to be covered by MaxPreps in 2007. The Blue Devils are 43-0 over the past two seasons with back-to-back Class B state titles.
With senior twin brothers Rhamel and Shamel Bratton back in the fold this spring, head coach Paul McDermott's team will be tough to beat. The Bratton brothers, headed to defending NCAA champion Virginia, combined for 110 goals and 40 assists as juniors.
New Jersey has its own dynasty in five-time defending NJSIAA state champion Delbarton. The Green Wave have accumulated a record of 104-7 during that span.
Princeton-bound cousins Chris and Jack McBride should help keep Delbarton in contention for an unprecedented sixth-straight championship in 2007. Jack McBride was a standout for the Green Wave on the gridiron, as well, throwing for 1,481 yards and running for another 1,147 during the fall.
In Connecticut, the season's primary storyline will be Darien's quest for a third-straight Class M state title and the fifth in school history. The Blue Wave are 98-11 since 2002, including a perfect 23-0 mark in 2005.
The action begins March 19, so be sure to check out MaxPreps for schedules, scores, rosters, rankings, and stats.
