Kennedy eyes postseason berth

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The Kennedy boys’ lacrosse team is off to a strong start this spring as it strives for the program’s first playoff berth in four years.

The Cougars (4-2) were moved to Conference B-II this spring and can achieve a postseason bid by finishing in the top two. The league features MacArthur, Roslyn, Great Neck North, Herricks, Jericho, Great Neck South, Elmont, Sewanhaka and Roosevelt.

“The expectations are to compete for a playoff spot,” said first-year Kennedy coach David Burtrow. “I think by the end of the year we should be competing as one of the top two teams to come out of B-II.”

Kennedy’s charge to finish atop the Conference B-II standings is led by senior co-captains Ryder Lampert and Dan Gavigan. Lampert is a versatile two-way midfielder while Gavigan anchors the Cougars’ close defense.

“They have played football and lacrosse together forever,” said Burtrow of his co-captains. “We turn to them for leadership.”

Lampert tallied five points on three goals and two assists in Kennedy’s 9-3 win against Valley Stream Central on March 23. He is complemented on the offensive end by attackmen Jake Nelson and Eric Brach. The Cougar offense is predicated on patient possessions with extra passes that seek high percentage shots.

“We like to try and slow it down and possession the ball,” said Burtrow. “That plays better to our strengths.”

Gavigan and junior defenseman Rich Draude key the Kennedy defense. Junior goalie Matt Lofaro has stepped up in his first season starting in net recording 15 saves in the victory against Valley Stream Central and 12 stops in a season-opening 6-5 win against Clarke.

“He’s been great so far,” said Burtrow of his starting net-minder.

Burtow hopes to limit opposing teams’ offensive chances by winning the majority of faceoffs each game. Junior midfielder James Turco has shined early on as a faceoff specialist to fuel momentum in key stretches of games.

“He gives us a very good chance to win every draw,” said Burtrow of Turco. “He’s an excellent faceoff guy.”

Kennedy opened the season with two wins against Clarke and Valley Stream Central before dropping back-to-back games to Hewlett and Division. The Cougars then responded with two straight wins last week to start conference play, 11-3 against Sewanhaka and 10-2 over Elmont. The Elmont victory featured four goals by Nelson and four assists from JT Intravaia.

After hosting Calhoun in an April 12 non-league game, Kennedy will hit the road for three games starting this Tuesday in key conference game at MacArthur starting at 4:30 p.m.  The Cougars return to Bellmore for a three-game home stand on April 29 against Roosevelt at noon before hosting Great Neck North on May 2 and Jericho on May 5. The final regular season game is slated for May 9 at Herricks starting at 5 p.m. 

“I think we’ll be a solid team at the end of the season,” Burtow said. “We’re working hard to get better every week.”