| The new millennium Pirates face some devastating losses due to graduation and transfers. Both ends of the field were decimated with only one returning starter out of seven. Three of the top four scorers are gone from last year, as well as the whole defensive unit. On the other hand, the midfield returns 4 of the top 5 spots from last year. Still, the Pirates look to be a young team again, with only seven seniors on the squad. Led mainly by juniors and sophomores, their offense is really a bunch of "Young Guns."
Midfield
At midfield, all-conference member Chris Feifs (34g,18a) and Kevin Raspet (15g,14a) will provide the strength and could be dominating influences this year. At 6'4"/220lbs and 6'3"/200lbs respectively, they are impressive figures on the field, and they are just juniors. Joining them on the first units will be sophomore speedsters Cory Coffman (13g,8a) and Tim Gregory (Tim missed most of last season with an injury), and all-around workhorse Anthony Howard. Additionally, seniors Steve Simpson and Matt Dornback, junior Gordon Bowman, and sophomore Owen Ham are vying for playing time. The midfield will definitely be the strength of this year's team.
Attack
At attack, only senior Laurence Tilley (23g, 13a) returns. Joining him will be junior Madison Thompson (1g, 3a) who is shifting from midfield, junior Graham Murray and sophomore Andy Delamielleure. Seniors Monty Montsinger and Andrew Knopp are also looking to contribute. The performance of these players will be crucial because the attack must gain experience quickly.
Defense
At defense, the Pirates have not one returning starter and very little experience. The backbone of the defensive unit will be transfer goalie Richard Ladd. After being at Fork Union the past two years, Richard is potentially the best goalie in the state. He is backed up by promising sophomore keeper, Zach Brewer. In front of those guys are senior Kevin Radack, who ran at long stick middie last year, senior David Johnson, who was a short pole last year, juniors Nick Wallhauser, Mark Hamilton, and Nate Hall and sophomore Devon Leach. At long stick middie are newcomer Ned Phillips who has shown outstanding promise in the preseason, and freshmen Bryan Thompson. Unless this unit can gel, you could see some high-scoring games.
After back-to-back state championships, Riverside fell short last year, winning the conference regular season title, but falling in the conference tournament finals and the state tournament semifinals, both losses in sudden death overtime. Whether or not they can improve on last year will be determined by how fast these young guns become experienced trail hands.
Coach Jim Kirkley |
