Fallston boys lacrosse has been a force in recent years, and not just in Harford County.
The Cougars have won the last two Class 1A state championships and have been to every 1A state final since the return from the pandemic, winning three of the four. Their chase for a fifth straight appearance and third consecutive win begins this month, and coaches agree it’ll be similar challengers hoping to dethrone them.
Bel Air looks to build off a region title, while Patterson Mill returns a strong core of seniors led by a first-year coach. Coaches added C. Milton Wright, North Harford and Havre de Grace as potential contenders. And John Carroll is hoping to break through in the always-loaded MIAA A Conference.
This will also be the first season of the Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference’s realignment, forgoing the annual realignment model with Chesapeake and Susquehanna divisions and going to three fixed divisions of five teams each (Tydings: Aberdeen, Bel Air, Fallston, Joppatowne and Patterson Mill; Hatem: C. Milton Wright, Edgewood, Harford Tech, North Harford and Havre de Grace; Conowingo: Perryville, North East, Rising Sun, Bo Manor and Elkton). Most coaches told The Aegis they’re excited to see new rivalries the realignment could bring and a renewed importance for the regular season as a conference championship returns to the UCBAC.
Here’s what to watch for this season in Harford County boys lacrosse. (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information.)
Bel Air
Coach: Doug Testerman, ninth season
Last year: 12-6, regional champions
Top returners: Seniors Jason Pitzer (midfield), Peter Myers (LSM), Ben Gaughan (defense) and Grant Smith (attack).
Top newcomers: N/A
Coach’s outlook: “We are replacing a three-time All-County player on offense and an All-American on defense. This team must find a leader and focus on the details to be successful this season.”
Edgewood
Coach: Rick Burton, ninth season
Last year: 1-12
Top returners: Senior Javier Bowens (goalkeeper); juniors Jarrod Burton (defense) and Kareem Wallace (midfield).
Top newcomers: N/A
Coach’s outlook: “We must focus on the fundamentals and put the ball in the back of the cage!”
Fallston
Coach: Patrick Mull, fifth season
Last year: 15-4, 1A state champions
Top returners: Seniors Owen King (defense) and Ian Swartzendruber (midfield); junior Cooper Savelle (defense).
Top newcomers: Senior Jaden Riley (attack); sophomores Joey DeVito (midfield) and Trent Richter (midfield).
Coach’s outlook: “We graduated 14 seniors last year, including eight starters, and all 14 were integral parts of our program. A lot of experience and production will need to be replaced this year. We are excited about the guys we have and we believe that we should again be in the mix for everything we hope to accomplish. Many of these guys have been waiting for their opportunity and are ready to seize it.”
Harford Tech
Coach: Todd Beser, first season
Last year: 6-7
Top returners: Seniors Rory Jenkings (goaltender) and Trenton Wzosek (midfield); junior Reece Topfer (midfield).
Top newcomers: Senior Bryce Davis (midfield); juniors Ben Sedlak (midfield) and Jake Pratt (midfield).
Coach’s outlook: “We need to play smart, fast and disciplined and keep games close into the fourth quarter. I’m excited to see this mix of varsity players come together to give the seniors a great last season at Tech.”
Havre de Grace
Coach: Spencer Stachowiak, second season
Last year: 8-5
Top returners: Senior Chase Zellman; junior Garrett Gladfelter; sophomore Gabe Bravo.
Top newcomers: Senior Colin Rush (faceoff); junior Tristan Walker (midfield).
Coach’s outlook: “We turned over a ton of talent since last season between graduation and transfers. This team is young but extremely hungry to prove themselves in the county, region and state. I think we will go through some growing pains. Based on the early season practice, it will only bring these players closer together.”
John Carroll
Coach: Gunnar Waldt, second season
Last year: 3-12
Top returners: Seniors Jackson Harcarick (attack) and Tony Abromaitis (defense); sophomore Ty Rizzuto (attack).
Top newcomers: Juniors Logan Rodgers (midfield) and Zach Droski (defense); sophomore John Abromitis (midfield)
Coach’s outlook: “I’m excited to see our work in the weight room this offseason showcased throughout the season. Our goal is to win the physicality battle game in and game out this season. And if we do that, we’ll give ourselves a chance to compete. We have to stay disciplined in our process and just do our individual jobs at a consistent level, which will lead to our overall team success.”
Joppatowne
Coach: Steven McElroy, eighth season
Last year: 1-11
Top returners: Seniors Jake Steinmiller (midfield), Sam Barry (attack) and Ethan Houston (defense).
Top newcomers: N/A
Coach’s outlook: “Looking to win a few games and build the program.”
North Harford
Coach: Rich Tabeling, 11th season
Last year: 4-8, region finalists
Top returners: Seniors Chase Thomas (attack) and Caleb Kerr (midfield); junior Cam Beresh (midfield).
Top newcomers: Junior Luke Bylen (midfield); sophomore Nick Anderson (defense); freshman Ethan Smith (attack).
Coach’s outlook: “We are a motivated team with a large group of juniors, sophomores and freshmen who are ready to compete in every game.”
Patterson Mill
Coach: Noah Worthington, first season
Last year: 11-3
Top returners: Seniors RJ Wilhelm (midfield), Sean Catalano (goalkeeper) and Bryce Kelly (defense)
Top newcomers: Sophomore Taj Macfawn (attack); freshmen Ryan Plumer (defense) and Quinn Shiflett (defense)
Coach’s outlook: “We are a young but hungry team. I am looking forward to showing off the improvement this program has made over the offseason.”
Have a news tip? Contact Taylor Lyons at tlyons@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/TaylorJLyons.
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