MID-PENN PREVIEW 4/9

Big Thursday night in the Mid-Penn with two key showdowns for the Commonwealth and Keystone Divisions taking place! Six games between Mid-Penn teams as well. Should be a great evening of lacrosse.

TRINITY (5-1) AT CUMBERLAND VALLEY (6-0)

The Eagles survived two one goal games with Carlisle (8-7) and State College (5-4) already this spring. They'll face another major hurdle for the Commonwealth Division in cross town rival Trinity. The Shamrocks lead the series 3-1. If CV wins they will have a little more breathing room while Trinity is in a position where a loss could mean a long road to the MP title game. A lot of scorers on both sides of the ball in well balanced offenses means this could be a high scoring evening.

HERSHEY (5-0) AT CENTRAL DAUPHIN (4-2)

The Trojans are off to a fantastic start out scoring opponents 77-24. Trinity was able to come within five scores earlier this week so there is hope for Rams at home. CD has had three one-goal games and all their final scores were decided by 5 or less. For Central Dauphin to pull off the upset they will need to slow down the Hershey offense and keep Brook Briggs and Jake Wilson out of rhythm. Offensively Damien Koussis and Chris Martin will need to produce to keep pace. If Hershey wins here their path to again winning the Keystone title becomes very clear.

STATE COLLEGE (3-3) AT CARLISLE (4-1)

The Little Lions are coming off a tough one goal loss to CV and will look to get back in the win column against the Herd. Carlilse has been in 4 one goal games already this season which tell us they are not as dominant as last spring but also know how to close out tight games. Brady Franks will be critical to State College's success while Carlisle will need George Faller and Drew Amsley to be productive against a difficult defense. Both teams need to win here in order to have a shot at the Commonwealth Division.

MORE AFTER THE BREAK

CHAMBERSBURG (2-3) AT PALMYRA (1-5)

Two teams working to rise in the Mid-Penn ranks promise that this will be a hard fought game. The last 7 times these squads have met the score has been decided by 1 goal (2 overtime games, 1 double over time game). We can only assume we are in for another close one. Both squads have had some early ups and downs this spring. Palmyra played well against Carlisle and Trinity in very close losses. While Chambersburg had a near win against CD and is coming off a rough loss to LD. Look for Grant Swisher and Jake Pierson to be heavily involved for the Trojans. Tyler Gallagher has the ability to shut down any offensive weapon for the Cougars which should mean another close game.

NORTHERN YORK (1-4) AT MECHANICSBURG (1-3)

In this years Brisbane Cup the Wildcats and Coach Scott Brisbane (for whom the game is named) will look to defeat Northern for the first time since 2010. The Polar Bears are coming off a difficult one goal loss to Carlisle and should be looking to get back in the win column with a lot young offense weapons in Derek Myers, Andrew Sade, and Josh Petery. For the Wildcats they are an improved squad from seasons past and should be amped up for this game. Reagan Pritchett is an excellent pole and Grayson Hillsinger, Jaryn Ruth, Sam Moyer, and Alec Martin are all capable scorers.

BISHOP MCDEVITT(1-5) AT CD EAST (0-4)

The Crusaders look to keep the momentum going coming off their first victory of the season Wednesday night against Bellefonte (15-2) and have a good shot to do so on the road against the Panthers. This will be McDevitt's third game in three days. East has struggled early this spring but hopefully they will be up for this Keystone Division game.