Justin Ivey, Co-Editor
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Location: Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium, Denver, CO
Last weekend was a reminder of why I love this league—you can think you’ve got everything figured out on Friday and be completely rethinking your picks by Sunday afternoon. After spending the weekend in Fairfield watching the action live, one thing became crystal clear: the contenders are starting to separate themselves as we head deeper into the second half of the season. Teams are finding their identities, stars are elevating their play, and every game suddenly feels like it has playoff implications. I’m finally back to making picks with a little confidence (which probably means I’m about to go 0-for-the-weekend), but there are some fantastic matchups on tap in Denver. Let’s see if the hot streak continues. Quick note – we have REALIGNED with the PLL Week…10…we did not miss Week 9, but did not predict the All Star game week!
Season Stats
PLL – 13-18
WLL – 2-5
Worst Prediction from Week 9:
The Redwoods over the Whipsnakes…ended up being a blow out the other way and Rob Pannell set a new league mark for career points.
Best Prediction from Week 9:
BOSTON won a close game against the Atlas and completed a comeback for the ages.
Friday, July 24
Utah Archers vs. Denver Outlaws – 8:00 PM EDT
Winner: Denver Outlaws
I’m sticking with Denver this week because I think last weekend showed exactly what this team is capable of when it plays with confidence. The Outlaws bounced back in a big way after a disappointing loss, and it feels like they’re beginning to rediscover the identity that made them one of the preseason favorites. Brennan O’Neill continues to be the player every defense has to account for, but what impressed me most was how the supporting cast stepped up around him. Utah is talented enough to beat anyone on any given weekend, but the Archers have struggled to find consistency throughout the season. Playing at home, I expect Denver to feed off the energy of its fans and keep the momentum rolling with another statement win.
Philadelphia Waterdogs vs. New York Atlas – 10:30 PM EDT
Winner: Philadelphia Waterdogs
I’m sticking with the Waterdogs in this matchup because they’ve proven over the past few weeks (despite the struggle in Fairfield) that they’re one of the hottest teams in the league. Philadelphia is playing with confidence on both ends of the field, and when the offense gets rolling, few teams can match its pace. Michael Sowers continues to be the engine that makes everything go, creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates with his vision and ability to dodge from anywhere on the field. The Atlas are more than capable of pulling off the upset, but they’re still searching for the consistency needed to beat the league’s elite. I expect Philadelphia to continue its impressive run, with Sowers leading the way in another big offensive performance before the Waterdogs turn around for their second game of the weekend.
Saturday, July 25
Boston Cannons vs. Carolina Chaos – 2:00 PM EDT
Winner: Boston Cannons
This might be the toughest pick of the weekend, but I’m riding with the Cannons. Boston has quietly become one of the hottest teams in the PLL, winning three straight games while playing with the confidence and chemistry that seemed to be missing earlier in the season. The Chaos are never an easy out—they’ll make every possession physical and force teams to earn everything they get—but the Cannons have started to establish an identity built on balanced offense and timely defensive stops. This feels like the kind of game that could come down to the fourth quarter, and I like the way Boston is playing right now. If the Cannons continue to build on the momentum they’ve created over the past few weeks, I think they make it four consecutive wins and keep their surge rolling.
Maryland Whipsnakes vs. Utah Archers – 4:30 PM EDT
Winner: Utah Archers
I’m taking the Archers in what I expect to be one of the best games of the weekend. Maryland has been one of the league’s most consistent teams all season, but Utah always seems to elevate its play when the stakes are highest. The Archers have the veteran leadership, championship experience, and playmakers to match the Whipsnakes in every phase of the game, and I think this is the weekend they put everything together. It won’t come easy—Maryland’s offense can score in bunches, and its defense has been among the league’s best—but I expect Utah to make a few more winning plays in the fourth quarter. In a matchup that could have major playoff implications, I’m giving the edge to the Archers in a hard-fought victory.
Philadelphia Waterdogs vs. Denver Outlaws – 3:00 PM EDT
Winner: Philadelphia Waterdogs
In the marquee matchup of the weekend, it’s Brennan O’Neill versus CJ Kirst—two of the most exciting players in the game—and I’m giving the edge to the Waterdogs. Philadelphia has been playing some of its best lacrosse of the season, and while taking on Denver in its own backyard is no easy task, I think the Waterdogs are built for this challenge. Michael Sowers continues to orchestrate one of the league’s most dangerous offenses, while Kirst has quickly become one of the most dynamic finishers in the PLL. Denver has the firepower to win any game, especially with O’Neill capable of taking over at any moment, but I think Philadelphia’s depth and chemistry make the difference. Expect this one to live up to the hype, with plenty of highlight-reel moments before the Waterdogs silence the Denver crowd and close out the weekend with a statement victory.