LAM, COYLE RETURN ON ‘O’; CARAMANGO IN THE PIT

Mass graduation from last year’s team swings the door wide open for the Westfield High School boys lacrosse team this season. With a schedule that features one Top-20 team after another every year, the Blue Devil boys need to evolve very quickly if they expect to have another successful season but they always seem to come up with viable replacements.

Last year, the Blue Devil boys rose to each occasion and battled their way to a 12-7 record. Additionally, although falling a bit short, the Blue Devil boys competed in the Union County Tournament championship game and the North Jersey, Group 4 title game.

One big challenge would be to replace the dogged steadfastness of faceoff specialist Danny Hazard (239 of 311 face-offs for 77 percent, 164 ground balls, 5 goals, 2 assists). Because of his success, the Blue Devils enjoyed possession of the ball the majority of the time. Senior Josh Caramango, key running back on the football team, could be the “Man in the Pit” this season. Last year, Caramango (32 GB) won 43 of 67 face-offs for 64 percent.

The Blue Devils also took a real hit on offense with the graduation of Ryan Waldman, midfielder Dylan Wragg, Anthony Buoscio and John McDonald among several others. Waldman led the team with 25 assists, while scoring 44 goals and scooping 26 ground balls. Wragg (33 ground balls) netted 23 goals and 12 assists. McDonald (9 ground balls) had 10 goals and 12 assists and Buoscio (12 ground balls) had 10 goals and 10 assists.

The Blue Devils also need to fill several vacancies on defense such as Trey Brown (44 ground balls), goalkeeper Quinn Wojcik (179 saves, 115 goals against), Boufarah, long stick middie Dan Hanlon (34 ground balls, 3 goals), along with Jack O’Connor, Alex and Paul Tilyou, and Aiden Harper.

“While we did graduate 18 seniors, over 30 players contributed and lettered on the 2023 team. There are some familiar names returning as captains: Michael Marshall (defense), Cody Lam (attack), Jack Paris (defense), and Danny McGann (midfield). We also return Colin Coyle at attack; Steven Csorba, Sean Koenke, Billy Gerne, Luke Spaide at the midfield; Josh Caramagno facing off; defensive midfielder Evan Alvarez and Drew Pravlik at down D/ LSM. These young men along with a few other returners have been preparing relentlessly to get ready for the season. The combination of experienced players as well as several players new to the varsity program will help round out the team,” Blue Devil Head Coach Boomer Wertheimer pointed out.

The Blue Devils will indeed get some offensive clout with Lam and Coyle. Last year, Lam led the team with 52 goals, while adding 11 assists and 47 ground balls. In his sophomore season, Lam posted 57 goals and 20 assists, so he has a proven record of being the man to keep an eye on for opposing defenses. Coyle (16 ground balls) finished with 24 goals and 22 assists for 46 points last year.

McGann (9 goals, 6 assists, 13 ground balls) and juniors Gerne (9 goals, 6 assists) and Spaide, and seniors Csorba and Koenke (6 ground balls) could add to the Blue Devils’ scoring threat.

Marshall (28 ground balls, 2 assists) heads the defense. Seniors Paris (11 ground balls) and Alvarez (7 ground balls), and junior Pavlik (6 GB) will solidify the defense.

Coach Wertheimer emphasized, “Even though the state schedule is two weeks shorter this season, we managed to pick up St.Augustine, the 2022 Non-PublicAstate champion, and Don Bosco Prep, the 2021 TOC winners. These additions along with our Fitch-Pitt conference and out of conference games versus teams like Ridgewood (the 2023 Kirst Cup Champions) mean we have, without a doubt, one of the toughest schedules in the state.”

The Blue Devils will open their season away against St. Augustine Prep on Tuesday, April 2, at 4:45. On Thursday, April 4, the Blue Devils will have a clash with the always tough Summit Hilltoppers in Westfield at 4:30. Next, the Blue Devils will travel to Cranford to face the Cougars at Memorial Field on Monday,April 8, at 4:30. On Wednesday, April 10, the Blue Devils will host Montclair at 4:30.