While this seemed to surprise some, it shouldn't have been a shocker. Landon was never down down (for that kind of decline, look at EHS, StA, and SSSA this season), they were relatively down and both Prep and SJC had some historically good DMV teams. Landon was undefeated in 2017, lost to a great Bullis squad (Shellenberger dominated the league that year) in the IAC finals in 2018, remained relevant with probably their weakest roster ever and a coaching change in 2019, had the lost 2020 season, shortened 2021 where they were the third best team in the area behind SJC and Prep, then had to absorb a second coaching change with the weird departure of the alum who followed Boardley. The last two years after their second coaching change in three seasons, they've been gradually building around this senior class and have improved significantly within each season which speaks to their coaching. This year it has all come together. Look at the Gonzaga game earlier this week. They got jumped on by a more athletic roster, coaching staff made adjustments and their seniors led the way to a dramatic win after trailing big on the road. Bummer that half the league is down, and it sucks that they don't play SJC, but the Bears look poised to run through the DMV and end up two one-goal games away from a perfect season. |
Did Morrison have a full time position at the school? |
Oh, like that time he lied to Spalding about the JV team having COVID when in fact he didn’t put it on the schedule despite 3 confirmations in order to avoid a scrimmage. Totally incompetent. |
Time goes by way too fast. We wait all year for spring season, and once again it’s almost over in what feels like a minute. I hope the senior players and parents close out this chapter with full hearts, and I look forward to seeing how the various rosters develop for next year. |
So basically DeMatha is going to to conduct yet another search for a head coach starting this summer?
Mitchell is not staying onboard once this season come to an end |
Neutral Observers DMV Rankings for the week of 4/28:
1. Landon (14-2): The Bears are winners of 12 straight and have locked up the #1 seed heading into the IAC playoffs. This Landon team is very deep and can beat you offensively with a lot of different weapons. On top of that, they have a very underrated goalie and are good at the face-off circle. 2. Gonzaga (11-5): Despite the setback to Landon last week, the Eagles have the horses and offensive talent to remain as the favorite to take home the WCAC title in May. 3. Bullis (12-3): Bulldogs have enough talent on their roster to compete with anyone on this list, depth will be an issue as the weather heats up. Showdown on Tuesday with rival Georgetown Prep to lock in the #2 seed for the IAC playoffs and a first-round bye. 4. GP (9-4): The Lil Hoyas are destined to seek revenge against rival Landon. Will Bullis stand in their way? Hoyas have a talented 2024 class. 5. SJC (8-4): The Cadets and the Purple Eagles are set to clash in a major WCAC showdown this Friday. The winner will lock up the #1 seed for the WCAC playoffs. Don't sleep on DeMatha on Tuesday though... 6. GC (13-3): Dane Smith has turned the Falcons program around in two years. Great win over PVI last week. Can the Falcons play spoiler in the WCAC playoffs next week? 7. DeMatha (7-6): Despite their record, and mid-season drama, the Stags have weathered the storm. DeMatha has the firepower on offense however their mental mistakes and clearing woes need to be cleaned up if they want to make a serious post-season run. The Cadets are on-deck. 8. PVI (11-4): After a hot start under new head coach, the Panthers have dropped two straight. Can the Panthers act as a spolier in the WCAC playoffs? 9. Episcopal (7-7): Another team, despite their record appears to be improving each passing week. Episcopal is young this year. Expect HC Conklin will have them ready to make another run in the VISAA playoffs. 10. Saint James School (9-4): The small boarding school from Hagerstown Maryland is the favorite to win the MAC. A few observations The bottom half of the IAC is very down this year. IAC playoffs is a 3 horse race between Landon, Bullis and Prep with the Bears as the clear favorite. The WCAC playoffs will be fun to follow next week. With the emergence of Good Counsel and now DeMatha who is playing like a different team than in March, don't be surprised if there is an upset or two in the quarterfinal round. Gonzaga remains the favorite with their deep senior class. I predict the Eagles will have a statement win on Friday vs the Cadets. Bring on the 80-degree temps this week! |
Good job as always neutral observer |
Great job, thank you! |
Well said! |
Some big games slated for tomorrow…
Bullis at Prep SJC at DeMatha Who you all picking and why |
Dematha and Bullis. Other two teams are way overrated. |
Bullis vs Prep is a pick-em
I think SJC beats DeMatha but it will be rather close |
Come on. Sjc is going to rout dm. Bullis beats GP by a couple. |
STJ homers will weep tomorrow. 1 is not playing, expect an offensive disaster and a Dematha victory. |
Staley is hurt too? |