MID PENN PREVIEW - 4/16/14

TRINITY (8-1) at CARLISLE (9-0) 7:15PM

- There are regular season games and their are games that will define seasons and league championships. The contest tonight between Carlisle and Trinity is the ladder. The Herd has been the dominant team in the Commonwealth Division since it's inception and was able to capture a Mid Penn Title last season over Hershey. Trinity has been moving up the ranks steadily since the program moved their in 2010 and would have been in contention for the division had they not lost to the Herd.
      This game has been noted and talked about all preseason. The game tonight is essentially a semi-final game. If the Herd wins they will have substantial breathing room and, baring a couple major upsets, a date with Hershey in May. If the Shamrocks can go on the road and pull off the upset things get very interesting down the stretch in the division.
     Coach Kidder's squad has made their name this season on a staunch defensive unit. They've only given up 22 goals in 9 games, with the high total being 6 for Chambersburg. Their offense has been very good at times but can be held in check. Look for Faller, Breschi, Amsley, and Mundell to lead their scoring while Ewell and Bowser anchor the defense.
      Trinity is in all likelihood the best offensive group the Herd will have seen to this point in the season. Coach Heisey has a number of options at his disposal. Kleist, Altmeyer, and Scott have stepped up into the attack positions and while they can get to the goal one on one, they work better as a 1-2 combo and can score quickly. Connor Bailey and CJ Sherlock are always a threat from the midfield with great outside shooting and dodging capabilities. If Tim Hickey and Austin Bailey can limit Carlisle's scoring opportunity the Shamrocks have a good shot.

CUMBERLAND VALLEY (5-4) at CHAMBERSBURG (3-3) 7:00PM
* Rescheduled from 4/15
- Coach Bogazyck Eagle's have been able to win three of their last four games to get their season back on track. A difficult opening schedule had many in doubt of where they Eagles were headed but they have rebounded nicely. This road contest against the Trojans will give everyone a good idea of where they are in the Mid Penn order. Chambersburg had high hopes this year but back to back losses to CD and Carlisle make this a critical moment for their squad.
    CV is getting better production from the offense and seems to be developing a few different weapons and methods of scoring. Logan Fazakerly is still their main threat on attack but Tommy Lehman and Nick Zumbrum are becoming nice additions to their score book. Nick Brown has solidified himself as CV's starting goalie and leads a good defensive group.
      Chambersburg's one-two combo of Nick Lombardozzi and Jake Pierson will have their work cut out for them today. The elite offenses in the Mid Penn have been successful against CV's defense, but most of those teams have a multitude of weapons. If the Trojans want to win they will need to get more players involved.

MECHANICSBURG (2-6) at BISHOP MCDEVITT (1-7) 7:00PM
- The Crusaders are improving. After grabbing their first win of the season over Garden Spot they kept the game much closer than expected against State College (13-7). Having scored 16 goals in their last two games they are developing a nice offensive rythm. Nick Suknaic (9 goals) and Jackson Hanes(7 goals) should have productive games tonight at home for Coach Walter.
    The Wildcats need to get things moving in a positive directions and Coach Brisbane and company should see tonight as an excellent opportunity. Having been out scored 60-12 over their last four games the time for a turn around is now. Seniors Eddie Martin and Aaron Heisey are capable scorers and Sophomore attackman Sam Shipman is developing nicely with 4 goals in his last three games.