Western Region Boys' Games of the Week, March 27-31

Meanwhile, Bountiful's defense allows just seven goals a game and now faces a major test in containing the Wolves' potent scorers. The Braves will likely turn to their two key players in face-off specialist Andrew Welling and attack Zach Jordan to take the reigns.


Foothill Santa Ana Knights, CA (PR: 95.53, Rank: 18) vs. La Costa Canyon Mavericks, CA (PR: 92.99, Rank: 45)

The Knights have had some tough luck so far this season, losing two of their seven overall games by a combined four goals to exceptional squads Corona Del Mar (PR: 96.8) and Los Alamitos (PR: 96.0). A win over the Mavericks would likely boost the Knights in the rankings, but they will need to play as a team against a La Costa Canyon squad just oozing with talent.

Headed by Spencer Peterson and Cameron Revere, the Mavericks feature an experienced group of seniors and will be counted on for guidance when the whistle blows against the Knights. Mavericks have arguably the toughest schedule in the Western Region and face their toughest foe yet on Saturday.


Tucson Tanque Verde Sabercats, AZ (PR: 83.0, Rank: 6) vs. Saguaro Wildcats, AZ (PR: 84.2, Rank: 4)

While the weather is warming up in Arizona, one of these potent lacrosse teams will be going home cold. The Sabercats feature one of the finest players in the state in Johnny McLaughlin. He already has eight goals and eight assists on the season and will be arguably the most dangerous player on the field.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats counter with a pair of playmakers. Justin Straker already has 15 points and leads the team, while James Reap averages more than four goals a game for the up-tempo Wildcats. This clash of the 'Cats will leave only one lucky team unscratched.


March 31

Menlo School Knights, CA (PR: 96.20, Rank: 12) vs. St. Ignatius Prep Wildcats, CA (PR: 98.05, Rank: 1)

The Knights are out to prove their lofty record is not a fluke against the No. 1 team in the state. The Knights' lousy strength of schedule prevents them from being in the top ten, but a quality win over the Wildcats will surely change that. "Mr. Everything" midfielder Nick Maruyama won 80 percent of his face-offs and scored five goals in a 14-7 win over Burlingame (PR: 87.2) on March 23.

Maruyama will likely need similar production in this one for the Knights to come out on top. On the flip side, the Wildcats now appear beatable after the squad's 43-game in-state winning streak was snapped by Coronado (PR: 94.7) last week. Bucknell-bound attacker Billy Mattimore has elevated his game this year and should be a focal point of the Knights' defense.

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Stay tuned this week for the latest episode of Inside the Crease, LaxPower's newest high school boys' lacrosse podcast show. Check it out on the Media Page or simply head to iTunes and listen today.

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2009-03-26