The McIntosh boys varsity lacrosse team opened their season at Kennesaw Mountain this week.

This year’s second-season squad plans on continuing the quick “Ball Movement Offense” improving on their surprising 16-38 2005 final ranking among varsity programs in Georgia, but it will not be without some interesting challenges.

The extremely young team features only a handful of returning starters after losing five talented All-Stars from last year, three of whom are now playing in college programs, resulting in a roster heavy with underclassmen.

The leadership will come primarily from returning talent and 2006 Captains, Patrick Schneider, who had a .724 face-off percentage last year, Sean Griffin, the Chief’s leading scorer last season with a total of over 37 points in nine games, and anchored once again on defense by senior Cameron Reno.

“We have more depth than you might think on paper,” commented head coach Muetzel. “Brian Huefner, Paul Beall, Garrett Lee, Ed Jensen, Nathan DeRosa, David Bexley, Danny Christ, Joe Maskery, and Zane McCarthy all made serious contributions last year, and DJ Ward will step in and help the attack immediately. We are really confident these dedicated kids have worked hard and are all ready to go to the next level.”

The team also looks to the 15 new varsity players including eight freshmen, for immediate significant playing time, due in large part to the Fayette County Lacrosse Association, perhaps one of the state’s strongest feeder programs and growing interest in youth lacrosse in the area.
The boys opened the season with a 12-8 win over Kennesaw Mountain.

It was a good opening for a young team, at times we looked really good, and at times we just dropped passes,” said Muetzel. “The game turned rough in the second half and Kennesaw Mountain spent a lot of time “Man Down” due to penalties, so I had an opportunity to play every player and get some work and exposure for the freshmen. Schneider and Griffin really played “All Star” caliber.

The next game for the Chiefs is March 4 at Woodstock.

The McIntosh Lady Chiefs opened their 2006 season against Starr’s Mill. It is Starr’s Mill’s first year with a boys and girls lacrosse team. The Lady Chiefs and the Lady Panthers tied 4-4.

Scorers for McIntosh were Danielle Maskery, Leigh Baldwin, Taylor Lugash and Cailyn Worley. Brittany LaPalm had two assists. Lauren Schindler played a strong game in her first ever game as goalie, and she made several outstanding saves from shots on goal.

Yesterday, McIntosh played at Woodward Academy, while Starr’s Mill hosted Alpharetta.
The Starr’s Mill boys will start their season on Monday, Feb. 27 with a home game against Gainesville at 5:30 p.m.

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