Sussex Academy boys’ lacrosse seeks third straight title

With limited numbers, the Sussex Academy boys’ lacrosse team knows it needs to work a bit harder to compete with larger squads, but the players know the reward is that much sweeter.

“Compared to the other seasons, we don't have the numbers, but we're preparing for that by conditioning and getting ready to work hard,” senior Jackson Hagy said.

The extra effort also leads to increased team bonding.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with the team, getting along with everybody, doing well in games and trying to do the best we can,” senior Chris Chadwell said.

“The drills that we've gone through have really helped with our passing and stick-work abilities,” senior Christian Schimmel said.

Offensively, the Seahawks are hoping to field scoring threats at all six positions, and they believe they have the personnel to trust that many lads, regardless of age.

“They're getting the hang of it,” senior Chase Ballinger said about the younger boys. “They're spinning the ball pretty well; they're getting used to the offense, some they picked it up pretty well.”

“We got a good batch of young guys that are either super committed to lacrosse or have that talent level that we need to fill in some spots,” coach Andrew Fox said. “Getting an offensive coordinator this year has been super eye-opening for us.”

Sussex Academy believes it can retain their Henlopen South title, and make the state tournament, but player development will also be an emphasis for the Seahawks. Fox said a few of the younger players earned their way to what was previously an unexpected spot on the roster, and they are pushing the upperclassmen at certain positions.

“We've been able to develop players over time and put people in positions to be successful,” Fox said.

While the offense certainly has potential, the defense is a bit more seasoned and building off of the gains from previous years.

“We have a veteran defense that has been through a lot together and knows what's going on – with a great keeper in the cage,” Fox said.

Defense in lacrosse starts at the midfield position and one senior is seizing the long-stick defensive midfielder job.

“It's my last year here,” long-stick midfielder Sebastian Scruggs said. “I know these boys, I love these boys, and I just really want to have a good season.”

Scruggs has noticeably been more aggressive in practice and at the scrimmages, thanks to the chatter on the defensive end.

“We're working on a lot of our communication skills,” senior Kenner Carbajal-Cifuentes said. “Sometimes we can get out of hand, but we're working on calming down and getting more focused during practice.”

Sussex Academy will open its season at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, at Delmar.