Now that the 2024 season is underway, the Joel Barlow High boys varsity lacrosse team is eager to prove that it can compete with the top teams in both the South-West Conference and in the state Class M division.
In fact, the Falcons feel they have a chance to win titles in both. Time will tell just how well they stack up against the competition.
Second-year head coach Taylor Leahy has 42 players in the program, which includes varsity as well as JV teams. Although they will be comprised mainly of juniors and sophomores, the Falcons still have much varsity experience and do not have to contend with any pre-season injuries.
“Everyone is healthy,” said Leahy, whose team started practice on March 16. “We’re starting the season on a good note.”
Barlow returns a number of players from last season’s team. Finishing at 10-10 overall, the Falcons qualified for the SWC tournament, upsetting New Fairfield in the quarterfinals before losing to New Milford.
It also made the Class M tournament, losing to eventual champ Cheshire in the second round.
Only five players have graduated since then, including former captains
Danny Shaban, Griffin Ellis and Charlie Falkowski. Shaban (all-SWC first team) and Ellis started in the midfield. Falkowski, a goalie, was sidelined for the season due to a knee injury.
Former captains and defensemen Andrew Zaia and Adam Goodacre have also graduated. In addition, the Falcons lost junior Tyler Ramirez (All-SWC), who transferred to another school.
Once again, the Falcons will be a young team, having just four seniors. Three are captains Dylan Taylor, Cole Peterson and Ian Lent. Taylor will handle the face-offs and Peterson will start in the midfield.
Lent will start on attack. The Falcons also have senior newcomer Liam Kiernan.
A number of juniors will also play major roles for Barlow this season. Captain Andrew Watson (All-SWC second team) will start on defense. Classmate and captain Cole Bonanno, one of three triplet brothers on the team, will be in goal.
Joey Bonanno will be on defense and Luke Bonanno is on attack, as is Spencer Skidell. Classmate Quinn Pranzo is a long stick midfielder.
From the sophomore class Barlow has Frankie Branca on attack and Tyler Young is on defense. Other sophomores who could see varsity time are Kaden Holub and Jack Hall.
If the Falcons hope to go far in the SWC and in Class M they will face some tough opponents along the way. One is two time-defending SWC champ Weston as well as runner-up New Milford. New Fairfield should also be strong.
Although Cheshire moved up to Class L Barlow will still have to deal with Avon and Pomperaug in Class M.
