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By Mike Morton
Brooklyn Daily
Poly Prep coach Brooks Sweet is cautiously optimistic about his boys lacrosse team this season.
A look at the roster shows a young squad faced with the task of replacing multiple seniors from last year’s team that reached the private school state semifinals. A deeper look, however, shows the Blue Devils have a lot of depth and experience.
“It’s a pretty strong team in just being together and all being on the same page,” Sweet said. “I’m really hoping for a lot of good things.”
Poly will be led by junior goalie Dylan Moser, who is entering his third year in net. Moser was the goalie on the team that won the state title two years ago. His experience as a winner and leader will be vital to the Blue Devils’ success.
“Every good defense needs that kind of quarterback, or middle linebacker so to speak, who just pumps everyone up and communicates with them to let them know where the ball is, when to slide on defense, and Dylan is that guy,” Sweet said. “He’s got that down pat. With that alone he’s better than most goalies in the league.”
Moser will have the task of leading a young defense, anchored by junior Russell Kent. Sophomores Jack Plagemann and Eddie Futterman are two players Sweet mentioned as potential starters on defense along with senior Charlie Marquardt, who recently joined the team after basketball season.
The strength of Poly’s team will be at midfield. Seniors Sebastian Anderson and Sam Bernstein will lead a deep group. Bernstein will be one of the players looked at to replace the production of Hugo Francis, who had a team-high 59 points last season.
“He’s a really strong shooter, ” Sweet said of Bernstein.
Also at midfield is senior Jesse Bongiovi, a faceoff specialist. Bongiovi, son of rock star Jon Bon Jovi, has also shown an ability to score during the preseason, which may lead to an increased role.
“He’s a good faceoff guy,” Sweet said. “If he pulls through for us that’s going to mean that many more possessions.
Leading at attack will be senior Kyle Vogel, who will have the task of replacing Max Goupit, last year’s leading goal scorer. Vogel, who scored 23 goals last season, could be an upgrade.
“Kyle, I think ,can do a little more than Max with the ball,” Sweet said. “Max was a great shooter without the ball, Kyle is pretty good with the ball. He might even be a stronger version of Max.”
Poly Prep begins its season on April 3 at home against rival Riverdale as it begins its quest to regain the state title.
“Our goal is to make the playoffs, and get right to the top,” Sweet said. “I think we can do it.”
Reach reporter Joseph Staszewski at jstaszewski@cnglocal.com. Follow him on twitter @cng_staszewski.