Oakton, Robinson, W.T. Woodson and Langley have all produced Northern Region championship boys lacrosse programs since the sport became officially sanctioned in 1991. If you include Westfield, eight of the last nine region semifinals have included at least three of the teams currently ranked in The Examiner’s Top 5 poll. Each has a chance to make it back entering tonight’s region quarterfinal games. Here is a preview:
Madison (6-9) at No. 3 Oakton (9-5)
These cross-town rivals haven’t met since 2003. On paper it’s a mismatch. Oakton is the heavyweight with three straight region and unofficial state titles and has far more depth than Madison, which hasn’t reached the semifinals or beaten the Cougars since 2001. But the Warhawks are the region’s most-improved team since March.
No. 4 Langley (12-3) at Yorktown (15-0-1)
No National District team has ever reached the region semifinals so this is the perfect opportunity for Yorktown to show it belongs. Both teams play a run-and-gun style and this should be the night’s highest-scoring game. The Saxons average 12.5 goals per game and Yorktown averages 10.4.
No. 5 Westfield (12-2) at No. 1 W.T. Woodson (12-3)
This is the marquee matchup of the night. Westfield, led by senior MF Evan Royster (72 points), averages 12.9 goals per game and poses a stiff challenge to a Woodson defense led by senior Sean Jackson (North Carolina). But can the Bulldogs stop Woodson when it matters? The Cavaliers have three players with 15 or more goals.
Jefferson (10-4) at No. 2 Robinson (10-5)
Jefferson, led by first-team All-Liberty District picks Peter Gudmundsen and J.R. Carr, won’t be intimidated after playing No. 1 W.T. Woodson twice, No. 3 Langley and No. 5 Westfield. But the Colonials also went 0-4 and didn’t come within six goals in those games. Robinson has won six straight games.
