The Red Lion boys' lacrosse team has played a total of 14 varsity games in the history of the program. The Lions have won all 14 of them during their debut campaign this season. I asked coach Bill Middleton if he was a little surprised his team had been absolutely perfect so far this season. Middleton paused and then started to chuckle before answering: "To say no would kind of be an understatement."
Middleton said the expectations for the Lions have been high from the beginning and the talent and hard work of the players and the coaching staff has helped Red Lion achieve nothing but success. They now have their eyes on a District 3 title.
"I don't want to sound too arrogant and cocky in saying it, but I'm not surprised because I believe in this team -- especially with the leadership and the kids that we have," Middleton said.
The coach said two key elements to Red Lion's perfect season have been depth and scouting and both should help the Lions in the 16-team district tournament, which starts May 12. In the latest LaxPower computer rankings, the Lions are No. 4 in Central Pennsylvania.
The Lions will have to at least make it to the semifinals of the district tournament to qualify for the state competition, as the top four squads from District 3 move on. Middleton said making the state tournament has been a goal since the beginning of the season and the Lions have done their homework -- scouting 12 of the 16 teams that would make the playoffs if the season were to end today.
It's enough to make Middleton like his team's chances.
"I feel very confident," Middleton said. "We want to win the districts. It just depends on what happens that day, but I'm confident. We've scouted so many teams and we feel confident in our ability to scout and bring back a good report to these kids to show and make adjustments as we go.
"Our goal was always to get to states. We set the expectations high. We expect them to keep growing and learning and fighting."
Middletons lions will not win districts Or make states. Suskys peaking just at the right time. Ps bill lay off the spray tan
Susky,
You didn't have anything for them when they lost a total of 46 season goals from two players, due to academic issues. And they still beat you by 5. Stick to your gibberish on Penn Live