MD3 Picks: Competing the Z
by Jac Coyne | Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff | Coyne Archive | Twitter
|
| Chris DeLuca and Cortland will not only have to dodge
Western New England on Saturday, but also a so-called "snowicane,"
which is headed for Central New York. Coyne and Zazzaro will still
pick the game. © Rich Barnes |
Dave Zazzaro was a fresh-faced, curly-haired, first-time coach
when he took over the men's lacrosse program at Colby College in
the early 1990s. NESCAC jobs don't usually trickle down to unproven
coaches, but the White Mules took a risk with the former Drew
player.
Using some talented players, such as All-American Billy Bush - now
best known for dishing the dirt on Access Hollywood and
hosting the occasional Miss America pageant - Zazzaro had a solid
start to his career.
He was not without his initial detractors, however.
The sports editor of the Colby student newspaper was especially
critical of Zazzaro's hiring, but the two managed to form a
friendship. Now, nearly 20 years later, the know-it-all sports
editor gets to finally prove his superior lacrosse knowledge
against the 17-year Division III skipper, who also coached at
Colorado College and was a member of the NCAA regional ranking
committee.
Just as I've done in the MCLA
with Nick Schooler, I'll be competing against Zazzaro for the
duration of the season in a pick ‘em contest. Each week,
there will be three core games we'll pick, and then we'll each
choose one game to add for a grand total of five.
We're fortunate to start the year with five competitive games, so
let's get to it (weather permitting).
No. 8 Western New England
(0-0) at No. 1 Cortland (0-0), 1 p.m.
COYNE: The chance of this game actually going off is
diminishing by the hour, as Cortland is shown smack dab in middle
of the "paralyzed" zone of "snowicane," according to Accuweather.com, but the tilt won't
disappoint should it happen. The last time the two teams met was in
the NCAAs, with the Red Dragons snagging a 6-5 triumph. A lot of
important names graduated off both teams, but there is still plenty
on both sides to make this a competitive contest.
Brewster Knowlton is a game-changing talent in goal for the Golden
Bears, but Chris DeLuca holds the same label in the midfield for
the Red Dragons. I think it will be Cortland taking this one, 10-8,
with UMBC transfer Chris Daly playing a big role.
ZAZZARO: Over the years these two teams have had epic battles with
Cortland earning the edge. This is another early, big Pool C game.
WNEC is coached by one of the best, John Klepacki, but Cortland has
Uncle Momentum on its side as defending National Champs. Beville's
squad will be tested, but the Red Dragons will pull away at home,
13-9.
No. 12 Cabrini (0-0)* at No. 10 Haverford (0-0),
3 p.m.
COYNE: Cabrini white-washed the Black Squirrels last year,
15-3, in one of the surprising routs of the early season. The Cavs,
however, will not have the advantage of home field advantage and
will be facing a Haverford team that returns almost everyone from
last year except for head coach Mike Murphy. I'd sure like to know
how Cabrini is going to fare against FDU tonight before making this
pick, but I make the big bucks because I'm not afraid to make these
tough choices.
This is a head vs. heart game for me. My head says the Fords, my
hearts says the Cavs. I'll take Cabrini in a hotly contested
affair, 13-12.
ZAZZARO: This is a tough one to pick. Both teams have experienced
players all throughout their rosters, plus the stock of both these
teams have been on the rise. This game has huge Pool C
considerations, not to mention a great deal of confidence-building
with a win. Cabrini has had the edge in recent years, but with
Haverford's trip Down Under coupled with the Philly area being
pounded by snow, I give Haverford the edge in readiness. Haverford
9-7 in a classic.
No. 15 Springfield (0-0)*
at Nazareth (0-0),
1 p.m.
COYNE: This is another game that probably won't be
happening, at least on Saturday, but we'll go through with it. I'm
a big Keith Bugbee fan, and he's had Springfield competitive since
he's been with the Pride. However, as of late Springfield has had
trouble winning the big game against a ranked opponent. Last year,
the Pride played six games against teams appearing in the polls and
lost all six. They lost only one other game during the season.
I think Naz is going to surprise people this year, and I think the
Golden Flyers will continue Springfield's trouble against rated
foes.
ZAZZARO: New England vs. New York. Years ago these games carried
added significance due to rosters littered with players from the
"school's backyard". Not so much anymore with coaches recruiting
all over the place. No lead will be safe in this game, as Nazareth
comes from four down to win, 12-10.
Coyne's Pick
Stevens (1-0) at No. 20 Endicott (0-0)*, 1 p.m.
COYNE: Dave Decker saved the Ducks' bacon on Sunday with a
25-save performance against Muhlenberg and he's going to need to do
it again. He'll be doing it against a team that is used to standing
toe-to-toe with the best teams in New England. Stevens will solve
some of their issues from the last game, but I think the Gulls are
a better team, especially in Beverly. Endicott, 8-6.
ZAZZARO: Stevens has one of the top goalies in all of Division III,
and he'll have to be on top of his game - possibly 15-plus saves -
in order for Stevens to prevail. Endicott loves to play an up-tempo
style. With Stevens on the road, I give the edge to Endicott,
9-6
Zazzaro's Pick
No. 17 Lynchburg
(0-1) at Ohio Wesleyan
(0-0), 1 p.m.
ZAZZARO: This game will come down to the little things and
special teams. Ohio Wesleyan loves to force the action, Lynchburg
is already battled tested. Both teams can be explosive, but this
game comes down to who has the courage to play smart and
disciplined for four quarters. Another ‘No Lead Is Safe'
game. I have no idea who'll win this contest, I'll be tying my pick
to USA Men's hockey: if TEAM USA beats Switzerland, Lynchburg wins.
If TEAM USA hockey loses to Switzerland, it's Ohio Wesleyan.
COYNE: The hockey tie-in is nice, but I'm taking the Hornets either
way. That game versus Salisbury should do wonders for LC's
confidence and have them ready, despite the lengthy road trip.
* - play a game on Wednesday afternoon.
