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INSIDE Western Albemarle lax

By Nick Ward

 

Seniors Mack Schwoebel and John Hawk hope to push the WAHS lax team to the JD title. Photos: Jim Copony

The Western Albemarle boys lacrosse team is doing its best to silence its critics. Discussion has swirled over "Who's the best club in Central Virginia" on The Board.

A handful of teams can stake claim at that title. Here's a look at Head Coach Hunter Price's Western Albemarle Warriors.

The "Best Team" discussion has included four teams: Albemarle, Covenant, St. Anne's-Belfield or Western Albemarle.

By outscoring its opponents 50-15 in two games and one scrimmage, the Warriors are making a case for the top-stop on that list.

Head Coach Hunter Price was happy with his team’s progress in the off-season, and he is impressed with his team’s early play.

Price is counting on senior leadership to continue Western’s success.

“It’s up to our seniors," he said. "It’s up to them to decide how far this team goes.”

While this year’s squad did lose the likes of Ted Pfeifer, Patrick Nugent and Zach Craft to collegiate lacrosse programs, you'll still see many of the same names in Crozet.

A senior attack man, Max Pfeifer will be the face of the Warrior program. Pfeifer is silky smooth with his stick work and has deceptive speed. Averaging seven points per outing through two contests, Pfeifer is not only campaigning for Jefferson District Player of the Year but also CVa Player of the Year.

“Everybody looks up to Max,” said Price, who has established quite a reputation as a lax head coach and offensive coordinator on the gridiron.

Senior Matt Galvin is Pfeifer’s wing man on attack, and a part of what Price calls his “two headed monster” on offense.

A big body, Galvin uses his frame to gain advantage over defenders in the crease and rarely misses when he has shot opportunities.

Midfielder Quin Sweeney is part of a trio of face off specialists that Western likes to use. Sweeney will play an important role for the team during his senior year as a solid third- or fourth-scoring option.

After missing much of his senior football year due to a neck injury, Mack Schwoebel is back on the field and ready to make an impact. Like Sweeney, Schwoebel will be an important part of Western’s offensive success.

Seniors Sam Schwoebel, Jerry Walsh and Lars Pettygrove are all defensive specialists for the Warriors. Walsh and Schwoebel, who are also stars on the gridiron, are not averse to being physical. Pettygrove, too, will not shy away from contact.

Price was especially happy with Walsh’s defensive play early in the season against Covenant.

“Jerry did a great job playing against [Covenant's] Luke Heinsohn, who is one of the best athletes in Central Virginia,” Price said.

Heinsohn did score against Western, but not while Walsh was on him.

Junior Cody Peters is earning the majority of the minutes in the cage.

Peters is inexperienced but he has talent and excellent upside. Senior Lee Winslow will be pushing Peters for time in goal.

INSIDER Nick Ward is a frequent contributor to CVaSports.com and "Sports Rap" on Sports Radio 1400. Get to know Nick Ward by clicking QUICK.

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Posted by Nick Ward on March 23, 2008 11:57 AM | Permalink

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