The Indians are aiming for their fourth straight trip to the South Jersey Group IV final in 2017 and a second sectional title in three years.
Getting to the sectional final is nothing new for Lenape High School boys lacrosse.
The Indians have qualified for the South Jersey Group IV final each of the past three seasons.
However, winning the sectional has eluded Lenape in two of the last three years. In 2014, the Indians lost a tight, 11–10 game to Southern Regional High School. After winning the sectional in 2015, Lenape fell just short of defending its title in 2016, losing to Montgomery High School, 15–13.
This year, the Indians’ goal isn’t just to advance to the sectional final for a fourth consecutive season. It’s to win it and go deeper into the postseason than ever.
“This year our goal is to get back to that game and win it this year,” senior Tim Montgomery said. “There’s no thought of even losing that game.”
The Indians return most of their top offensive weapons, including leading goalscorer Drew Bregman and Montgomery, the team leader in assists in 2016.
“The strength of the team is going to be the offense,” head coach Bill Sutphin said. “They’re aware they’re going to have to be smart with their possessions and be patient with the younger group on the defensive end.”
Lenape lost a number of key contributors on defense, meaning there will be a number of new faces in that end of the field. However, Sutphin is confident in his program’s depth and knows there are a number of players ready to step up to larger roles this season.
Leading the defense will be junior Zach Cole, an All-Olympic Conference second team selection in 2016. Cole is taking it upon himself to lead the newcomers on the defensive end this season.
“We have a young defense, but I think a lot of the guys will step up,” Cole said. “I think we’re going to be pretty athletic on the defensive end.”
Cole spoke about the importance of the new players having a strong work ethic.
“Everything is about our good work ethic,” he said. “Even though we lost a lot of guys, the younger guys have been taught we have to have a good work ethic.”
Sutphin said the offense realizes there will be a bit more pressure to produce offensively with a young defense and new goalie this year. However, he also feels the offense is ready to take on the challenge.
“Offensively, we’re going to have to score goals to make up goals,” Sutphin said. “It’s sort of the nature of our team this year.”
Sutphin also believes the program’s depth could be one of its greatest strengths in 2017.
“They’re eager to prove that they aren’t relying on just a couple kids,” he said. “If one comes out, the next one is ready to step in. They’re eager to prove they’re just as good as the guy that graduated.”
Despite having a young defense, Montgomery said expectations for the Indians are very high.
“I have high expectations for everyone,” he said. “I don’t think anyone should be much lower than what we were last year.”
