Justin Ivey, Co-Editor
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Location: Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium, Columbus, OH
With only a few weekends left in the regular season, every game carries a little more weight. Teams are fighting for playoff position, contenders are trying to build momentum at the right time, and there’s very little room for error as we head to Columbus. The matchups this weekend are some of the best we’ve seen all season, with several games that could easily go either way. On top of that, I’ll be keeping a close eye on Philadelphia’s CJ Kirst, who has a chance to make PLL history by breaking the league’s single-season goal record. History, playoff implications, and some fantastic lacrosse—it’s shaping up to be another great weekend. Let’s see if I can keep my picks heading in the right direction.
Season Stats
PLL – 16-20
WLL – 2-5
Worst Prediction from Week 10:
The Outlaws…did not win a game. And, now the team is missing a large chunk of the offense with injury.
Best Prediction from Week 10:
CJ Kirst and the Waterdogs!
Friday, July 31
California Redwoods vs. Carolina Chaos – 6:00 PM EDT
Winner: California Redwoods
This is easily my toughest pick of the weekend, but I’m giving the edge to the Redwoods. Carolina is coming off a confidence-building win over Boston and has proven once again that its defense can keep it in any game. Still, I think California is in a great spot to bounce back after a disappointing weekend in Fairfield. The Redwoods have shown throughout the season that they’re capable of playing with anyone when they get consistent production on the offensive end, and with the playoff race tightening, every possession matters from here on out. I expect this to be a physical, low-scoring battle that could swing on just a handful of plays, but I like the urgency California brings into Columbus. Give me the Redwoods to rebound with a hard-fought win and start the weekend on the right foot.
Boston Cannons vs. Utah Archers – 8:30 PM EDT
Winner: Utah Archers
The Cannons have been the league’s most explosive offense this season, and under most circumstances that would be enough for me to pick Boston. The problem is they’re running into an Archers team that seems to be finding another gear with every passing week. Utah is playing with confidence on both ends of the field, and its veteran core has started to look like the championship-caliber group we’ve come to expect. I think Boston keeps this one close and puts plenty of goals on the board, but the Archers have been making the key plays when games are on the line. Expect another tight contest, but I think this is another heartbreaking loss for the Cannons as Utah continues its late-season surge.
Saturday, August 1
Denver Outlaws vs. Maryland Whipsnakes – 12:30 PM EDT
Winner: Maryland Whipsnakes
I’m taking the Whipsnakes in this one, largely because Denver just hasn’t been able to stay healthy. The Outlaws have battled through injuries all season, and while they’ve shown flashes of the team they can be, missing key contributors has made it difficult to find the consistency needed to beat the league’s top contenders. Maryland, on the other hand, continues to play disciplined, complete lacrosse and has proven it can win in a variety of ways. I expect Denver to keep the game competitive, especially with the talent it still has on the field, but over four quarters I think the Whipsnakes’ depth and execution become the difference. Give me Maryland to take advantage of Denver’s injury challenges and come away with an important road victory.
Carolina Chaos vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs – 3:00 PM EDT
Winner: Philadelphia Waterdogs
I’m sticking with the Waterdogs in this one. Philadelphia has been playing its best lacrosse of the season, with confidence flowing through every part of the lineup, and it’s hard to pick against a team carrying this much momentum. Carolina’s defense is more than capable of making life difficult, but the Waterdogs have found ways to generate offense against some of the league’s toughest opponents. All eyes will be on CJ Kirst, who enters the weekend with a chance to set the PLL single-season goal record, and I think he rises to the moment in a big way. Whether it’s the record-breaking goal or simply another dominant performance, I expect Kirst to help lead Philadelphia past the Chaos and keep the Waterdogs rolling toward the postseason.
Sunday, August 2
New York Atlas vs. California Redwoods – 3:00 PM EDT
Winner: New York Atlas
I’m calling for a bit of an upset to close out the weekend with the Atlas taking down the Redwoods. California will already have one game under its belt, and while I have the Redwoods opening the weekend with a win, I think the quick turnaround catches up to them. New York has shown all season that when its offense is clicking, it can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league. If Connor Shellenberger gets into a rhythm early and the Atlas can control possession, they’ll have a great opportunity to dictate the pace of the game. It won’t be easy against a physical Redwoods squad, but I think New York puts together one of its most complete performances of the season and heads home with an important victory.