DISTRICT III PLAYOFF PREVIEW - SEMIFINALS

(1) HERSHEY (21-0) VA (4) MANHEIM TOWNSHIP (19-2)

5:30PM - LOWER DAUPHIN MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Trojans take their flawless 21-0 mark and one seed into the semi-finals against a very talented Blue Streaks team. This will be the third straight post season the two programs have played one another. In 2013 Manheim defeated Hershey in the Semi-Finals 15-3. Last year Hershey bested Manheim 10-3 in the third place game. Hershey will look to advance to their first District III Finals in program history. They have been to the semi's three previous times.

Mutual opponent for both clubs include Trinity, Carlisle, Emmaus, and Elizabethtown. Both teams went 4-0 against those opponents with virtually identical scores. Hershey's margin of victory in those games was +38, Manheim's goal difference was +34.

For Coach Schein's squad we should all be very familiar with the names to watch. Jake Wilson and George Briggs head a dynamic one two combo on attack with Joe Olives showing his ability to step up in the quarter finals (2 goals, 2 assists against Wilson). Karl Van Blargen continues to impress with his play from the midfield with hard dodges and vicious outside shots. Michael Gadd makes defenses stay honest as he to can can find his way to the cage. Defensively Jack Donahue, Matt Briar, and Doug Templeton have been outstanding on close defense. Jordan Wix-Ruach has been a very effective in the short stick defender role.

For the Blue Streaks the names to know start with Aaron Kager and Fernando Gutierrez on the face-off X. Hershey's 2-time first team MP face-off man Matt Stewart could face his hardest test of the season in these two. Chris Augeri, Ryan Miller, and Kevin Curcio are all talented scorers for Township and will test the Trojan defense.

CUMBERLAND VS HEMPFIELD AFTER THE BREAK

(2)CUMBERLAND VALLEY(18-2) VS (3)HEMPFIELD(18-3)

7:30PM - LOWER DAUPHIN MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Eagles look to make a run at their first District III Title following an impressive 14-4 win over West York. Standing in their way is a very talented Black Knights team. This marks CV's second trip to the Semi-Finals and first since 2011. 

CV and Hempfield have three mutual opponents in Carlisle, Penn Manor, and Ephrata. Hempfield had a bit more success against these opponents than the Eagles, both squads went 3-0. CV beat Carlisle 8-7, Penn Manor 13-5, and 19-3 (+25). Hempfield defeated Carlisle 16-7, Penn Manor 18-2, and Ephrata 19-5 (+39).

For Cumberland Valley a whole host of players can step into the role of leading scorer. Mid-Penn Player of the Year John Miller will garner plenty of attention on the mid-field. Attackmen Stevie Peters, Rod Jamieson, and CJ Sherlock can all score when called upon. The Eagles will look to find opportunities in transition where available. Defensively John Tartline and Thomas Arentz offer great protection for goalie Nic Brown who is very talented in his own right. Matt Dengler adds another wrinkle to an already great defense from the short stick midfielders position.

For the Black Knights the two players you must be aware of at all times are Zach Ward and Colby Smith. Sean Valentino and Collin Strange add to the scoring power. For CV to win they need to keep the Hempfield offense in check as much as much as possible.