NHS Laxmen Look To Offense For Success

By Andy Hutchison

Newtown High School’s boys’ lacrosse team begins the 2011 campaign with plenty of new faces on the roster, but with the usual expectations for success and goals to win conference and/or state championships.

Last year, the team went 11-5 and lost in the semifinal round of the South-West Conference Tournament and in the quarterfinal round of the Class L State Tournament. The graduation of six starters from last year’s squad doesn’t leave Coach Glenn Adams with any reason to believe his team can’t contend for titles. The coach said he is pleased with the players’ offseason efforts, including speed training, and expects them to put forth strong efforts every time out on the field.

“We expect to win every game,” Adams said.

Sure, that doesn’t mean Newtown will go unbeaten, but the approach stands to lead to success against some of the SWC’s better teams, including Joel Barlow, Class M runner-up New Fairfield, and Class S champ Weston. Tough opponents Newtown may have to get past to earn a Class L title are defending champion Cheshire and runner-up Fairfield Prep. The Nighthawks have some tough out-of-conference games on the slate, including clashes with last year’s Class L’s top seed and semifinalist, unbeaten Staples of Westport, along with Class S runner-up St Joseph of Trumbull — both from the FCIAC — in addition to Class M semifinalist Conard.

The team’s senior captains are goaltender Brandon Body and attack player Lewis Thompson. Other key returnees include senior midfielder Colby Summerlin, senior defender Max Nacewicz, junior midfielder Justin Brophy, and sophomore attack player Danny Hebert.

“The strength of our team is going to be our offense,” Adams said.

Among players who will be asked to step up and help lead a new-look defense are senior Will Fletcher and junior Jeremy Schaniel, both of whom will start on the back line, Adams said.

Newtown is scheduled to begin the year on Saturday, April 9, when Brookfield visits Blue & Gold Stadium for a 4 pm start in the first of three straight home tilts.

“I really think we have a great group and I’m really excited — really excited to see what we can do this year,” Adams said.