Justin Ivey, Co-Editor
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Location: Subaru Park, Philadelphia, PA
Last weekend in Boston couldn’t have gone much better. A perfect 4–0 weekend on the PLL side has me heading into the final weekend of the regular season with plenty of confidence—and probably just enough overconfidence to get myself into trouble. With playoff positioning still on the line and every team looking to build momentum before the postseason, there are no easy matchups left on the schedule. This weekend also gives us a chance to witness history, as Philadelphia’s CJ Kirst looks poised to break the PLL single-season goal record, while the inaugural WLL Championship crowns the league’s first field champion. It’s a fantastic way to wrap up the regular season, so let’s see if Justin’s Picks can stay hot for one more weekend.
Season Stats
PLL – 21-24
WLL – 2-6
Worst Prediction from Week 12:
The Boston Guard getting their first win.
Best Prediction from Week 12:
Boston Cannons with 2 wins during their homecoming weekend!
Saturday, August 15
New York Atlas vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs – 2:00 PM EDT
Winner: Philadelphia Waterdogs
I’m taking the Waterdogs to open the weekend, and I think we’re going to witness a little piece of PLL history in the process. Philadelphia has been one of the hottest teams in the league, and with the No. 1 seed still within reach, I expect them to come out focused from the opening faceoff. CJ Kirst enters the weekend tied for the PLL single-season goals record with 30, needing just one goal to stand alone at the top—and I don’t think he’ll stop there. Give me Kirst for at least two goals, breaking the record and putting a little extra distance between himself and the rest of the field. The Atlas are more than capable of making this competitive, but with Michael Sowers orchestrating the offense and Kirst chasing history on home turf, I think the Waterdogs get the win and their superstar delivers a record-setting performance.
WLL Championship: Maryland Charm vs. California Palms – 5:00 PM EDT
Winner: Maryland Charm
I’m taking the Maryland Charm to capture the inaugural WLL field championship because I think their speed is the difference-maker. The Palms have plenty of offensive firepower and have proven they can score in bunches, but Maryland has consistently turned defense into offense all season with its ability to push the ball in transition. Led by stars like Sam Apuzzo and Ally Kennedy, the Charm thrive when they force turnovers and attack before defenses can get set. I expect California to keep things close early, but as the game wears on, Maryland’s pace and athleticism will create a handful of timely transition goals that ultimately decide the championship. Give me the Charm to hoist the trophy in a fast, exciting title game.
Sunday, August 16
Maryland Whipsnakes vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs – 1:00 PM EDT
Winner: Philadelphia Waterdogs
I’m sticking with the Waterdogs to complete a perfect regular-season weekend. Maryland has the experience and toughness to make this one a battle, but Philadelphia has simply been the hottest team in the PLL over the second half of the season. CJ Kirst will have already made history the day before, taking the pressure of the record chase off his shoulders, and I think that only makes the Waterdogs even more dangerous. With Michael Sowers directing one of the league’s most explosive offenses and Philadelphia playing in front of its home crowd with the No. 1 seed on the line, I like the Waterdogs to keep their momentum rolling. The Whipsnakes won’t go away quietly, but I think Philadelphia proves once again why it’s one of the favorites heading into the playoffs with another statement win.
Denver Outlaws vs. California Redwoods – 3:30 PM EDT
Winner: Denver Outlaws
I’m taking the Outlaws to close out the regular season with a big win. Denver has battled through injuries all year, but this team has continued to find ways to compete, and Brennan O’Neill has carried the offense when it’s mattered most. California is certainly capable of pulling off the upset, especially with its physical style of play and balanced attack, but I think the Outlaws have a little more urgency heading into the postseason. Denver knows a strong finish can provide valuable momentum, and I expect O’Neill and the rest of the offense to set the tone early. It won’t be easy against a determined Redwoods squad, but I think the Outlaws make the bigger plays down the stretch and head into the playoffs with a confidence-building victory.