Tigers Maul Red Devils

10-1 in Season Opener

Doerflein and Rich Run Roughshod Over Clarence Defense
On Way To Lopsided Amherst Victory.

First Quarter Barrage Buries Devils

Dan Barron Tallies in the Second for the Red Devils only Score.

(AMHERST) The 2007 Clarence varsity lacrosse season kicked off on a beautiful sunny afternoon at Amherst High School Sports Complex. However, the visitors were not prepared for the storm that ensued, as they were soundly beaten by the defending Section VI Class B Champion Amherst Tigers 10 to 1 in a non-league contest. The Tigers were hungry for a victory after dropping a heartbreaker in their season opener against Niagara Wheatfield. Their emotional level proved to be the difference early as they exploded for five unanswered goals in the first quarter. Brent Doerflein (5-2-7) and Casey Rich (2-4-6) provided the firepower, combining for 13 points on the afternoon. The Devils looked flat early, and did little to help the onslaught against goalie Ryan Duff (7 saves).

The Devils found their legs in the second quarter and were able to finally beat the Amherst goaltender. Dangerous Dan Barron registered his first goal of the season on a laser shot set up by a great play and assist from Jordan Collins-Hartwig. Both teams tallied one apiece in the second quarter, and the score stood at 6 to 1 at the half.

In the second half, the Devils were able to better settle into their offense and generate more shots. However, the Amherst defense proved to be difficult to penetrate, and scoring opportunities were few and far between for the Red Devils. The Tigers tallied two goals in each of the last two quarters to round out the scoring. Amherst goals were scored by Brent Doerflein (5), Casey Rich (2), Dan Cooper, Kurt Ebsary, and Jimmy Luthart.

Better Days To Come

Although the Devils failed to win many battles on this day, the game will be an important learning experience for an up and coming program. Amherst is a dominant program in Western New York, and was an overtime goal away from the NY State Finals last season. Coach Silverstein has gone to great lengths to schedule the most challenging teams in 2007. These non-league games should better prepare our team for a tough Class A schedule and help us "tune-up" come sectional playoff time.

Nick Robinson played extremely well on defense, shadowing the always dangerous Rich. He collected four ground balls on the day, and was the Devils best D-pole in the transition game. In all, Clarence collected 32 ground balls. Attackman Jordan Zaprowski led with 5. Jordan Collins-Hartwig, Dan Barron, Caleb Higgins and John Syty all picked up four more apiece.

Clarence had difficulty maintaining possession in the midfield. However, Mark Bryce, J.D. Skura, and Josh Rawdin showed solid play during faceoff situations. Jordan Collins-Hartwig and Mark Lopian were able to use their great speed to create several scoring chances for the Devils. Although he didn't have any points, Jordan Zaprowski made a solid contribution running the offensive attack. His general hard work, hustle, and passion for the game showed throughout the contest.

The next couple games should be critical for the Red Devils. Although all are non-league games, they will face difficult challenges against West Seneca East, Sweet Home, and Williamsville East. These contests should be an important gauge as to the character of this year's team. The Devils do not start Class A league play until April 19th when they entertain North Tonawanda at Clarence High school field.