Torrey Pines Lacrosse Drops the Hammer on Mt. Carmel

By Max Duncan McArthur
North County Sports Magazine

The Torrey Pines Mens Lacrosse Program took another step toward the post-season Friday Night when they ran over the Mt. Carmel Sun Devils 18-3 in front of a rowdy home crowd of Falcon Faithful. Senior Captain and Goal Minder Brad Abell anchored the defense with a stellar effort in the cage, as well a a strong vocal presence in the defensive zone. Head Coach John Principi liked what he saw out of his Senior Keeper.

"As a coach you find yourself saying over and over 'practice like you play'," Coach Principi explained. "With Brad (Abell) you get a young man who does just that, and it shows clear as day in his game. He never takes a day off, never rests on his accomplishments, and in the game of life that kind of drive and integrity will take you far. In the game of Lacrosse, it translates just the same."

The offense seemed to come from every angle for TPHS, who saw 11 different players score on the evening. That caliber of balance will be critical in the Falcons post-season defense of last year's CIF Championship.

"For us to be successful in CIF," Coach Principi admitted, "we will need to play as a team like we did against Mt. Carmel. Lacrosse is a team concept, and when you start relying on 1 or 2 guys to get you through, teams make adjustments to shut those guys down. I have all the confidence that we can keep our momentum moving forward, and continue to strengthen the core of our program."

Senior Bishop Thorpe had another special night for ol' Torrey Pines, dominating at the midfield while somehow managing to win 12 Face-Offs. Thorpe has played especially well in the early 2nd half of the season, a fact that has not been missed by his head coach.

"Bishop has been playing his best Lacrosse for us over the last several games, he is really hitting his stride at the right time for our side. If he can be half that productive in some of our big games down the stretch, we will have a tremendous advantage over our opponents. This game can sometimes come down to possession and defense, and "Bish" provides a great deal of both for our squad."

Senior Captain Geordie Shafer had another monster game for the Falcons, putting up 6 points on 2 goals and 4 assists. While Senior Captain Chris Brown put 2 in the back of the net and added a helper. Senior Attackman Brandt Riedman continued his hot streak as well with 2 goals and a dime, and continues to solidify his reputation as a threat from anywhere in the zone. Senior Attackman Andrew Sinasohn had 3 points for TPHS as well on 2 goals and an assist.

"Our Seniors are starting realize where we are in the season," Assistant Coach Dax Harrison explained, "and that the time to step it up is upon us. We need those same seniors to come out everyday to practice and set the tone, both physically and mentally. How we go about doing that will determine our fate at the end of the day, and we feel good about that."

Junior Middy Eric Samuels netted 2 for the Falcons, while Junior Middy Hap Knowles managed a goal of his own. Sophomore Longpole Branden Butler scored as well for TP, as did Junior Midfielder Eric Skyhar and Freshman Midfielder Neil Hanlon. Senior Defenseman Garrett Scarvachi played a noteworthy game in his own right, dropping the hammer in the defensive zone seemingly all night against the Sun Devils.

PHOTO: Torrey Pines Senior captain attackman Chris Brown rockets a shot during game against Mt. Carmel (Courtesy of TPHS Lacrosse).