by Aaron Jaffe ‘21

The Warriors of past have often had the team that could win tough games and compete at a high level but couldn’t seem to take the next step against the elite teams of the 4A division. After last season’s disappointing end in a loss to Urbana, the team would have to look at a future without now graduated seniors Wes Rhoades, Ben Gruber and Peter Feeney. However, the Warriors’ locker room is optimistic about this year’s team and the potential they hold.

When it comes down to a tight game in the fourth quarter, any elite level team needs their captain to show leadership skills and take over games. Sherwood’s newest captains, seniors Jack DeGonia, Mitchell West, Michael Feeney and junior Dylan Grant all have hopes of taking this team to more than in previous years. Although the 2019 roster is younger than in recent years, Feeney knows how good his team can be. “We have a really talented team this year. I expect that we’ll hopefully make a deep run in the playoffs,” said Feeney.

The list of non-senior talent definitely runs for the Warriors with players such as juniors Grant and Jonathan Zibragos, and sophomores Charlie Matusek, Jimmy Conner, Nick Noland and Sean Yamada. The difference this year for the Warriors is the balance on both sides of the ball and a new surrounding belief in all of their seniors. “This year’s seniors take things more seriously and aren’t as selfish when it comes to being a team,” said Yamada.

The Warriors open the season today, against rival Magruder, but really do not face any huge threats until the month of April. Starting the stretch on April 8 against Paint Branch, Sherwood takes on BCC, Gaithersburg, Whitman and Churchill. This set of games will be by far the best way to tell if boys lacrosse has enough to find themselves with an opportunity at a deep playoff run.

With a high potential, committed and hungry team, Sherwood hopes to not only return to their previous success, but set a new precedent on where they can go in the playoffs.