After shuddering into motion last week (most of the games were rescheduled due to Spring Break conflicts), the St. Louis HS Ultimate League is up and running. Here's a brief rundown of the league's 12 teams.
Division 1
Clayton: A new team to the league, Clayton is a bit of an enigma. They fell 3-15 to FHC's Blue team (my team) during the first week, showing that they had much to learn about the game. Their offense was plagued with drops and flails, and their defense did little to challenge us. This week, however, they were apparently giving perennial powerhouse DeSmet more than they could handle when a serious injury ended the contest at 7-6. Clayton was losing, but just barely. I can't seem to make it out, but I hope that the injury can be overcome, and that Clayton is able to play at top form during the state tourney.
FHC Blue: As I said, this is my team, so excuse me if I'm partial. We worked hard recruiting in the offseason to bring in a higher level of athleticism and dedication, and show a great deal of (as yet) unrealized potential this year. We're faster, we have better throws, and we play harder every point, but we're still frustrated sometimes by lapses in the fundamental skills. As aforementioned, we began the season with a satisfying 3-15 rout at Clayton, and then turned around and fell 15-4 to a Parkway North that we should have done much better against. We were down 8-2 at the half, and then just proceeded to emotionally implode. We'll have to concretize our mental game if we want to realize our potential this year . . .
Parkway North: Fresh of their rookie appearance during SLUA's Fall League, in which they won the whole darn thing, Parkway North is a force to be reckoned with. Also new to the league, this team brings a hyped-up competitive spirit and some VERY talented handlers to the league. Their coach, Doug Parrish, is a very talented and experienced player himself. If I recall, I think he coaches Washington University's Contrabears, as well. They run all out, all game, and should give more established teams a serious challenge this year.
CBC: Didn't win a single game last year, and ended up collapsing during the final weeks of the season and forfeiting its last two games, CBC is back for another attempt this year. They scored 8 points in a loss to Lindbergh in their first game of the season, which is, if I recall, more than they scored in any contest last year. Looks like another "building year" for CBC.
Lindbergh: One of my picks for the most fun team in the league, Lindbergh experienced some serious turnover during the offseason, losing much of its team to graduation, but Double K worked hard and assembled another rag-tag group of novice flatballers for this season's league. They opened the season with a 15-8 win against CBC, but as I said, I don't know much about either team this year. FHC Blue faces them this week . . .
DeSmet: #3 in the state last year, DeSmet always brings a sea of maroon jerseys to the state tournament. In last year's league, though, they were split into two teams. This year, however, coach Pete Lenzini kept the team together for league play, so DeSmet boasts a deep sideline--25 strong. It's an established program with a knowledgable coach and many players who remain active all year long, improving their games relentlessly. Their early score against Clayton would seem to suggest a weakness this year, but only time will tell . . .
Division 2
Jeromans (Priory): Hasn't played a game yet due to forfeits. I know only one thing about this year's team: their captain is a boastful little Scrappy-doo. He's been all over local message boards and mailing lists, talking smack about the scrimmage games that Priory has had. They can obviously talk the talk, but can they walk the walk?
FHC Silver: Francis Howell Central's b-team is comprised of underclassman nubies who are just learning the game. My wife agreed to coach the team, and thus FHC Silver was born. Hopefully, the extra field time and touches this year will translate into further developed players next year. The 2-team structure is a very exciting development for FHC's sophomore program. I'm quite curious to see if it yields the expected benefits in years to come. They dropped a tough 0-15 loss to an Senior-heavy Marquette in their season opener yesterday, but they should have a few chances to add a W to the record before the season ends.
Marquette: This is, apparently, a team to watch. New to the league, Marquette was born of a core group of kids who played in SLUA's Fall League. Their coach, Jack Curran, is a very knowledgeable and experienced player who's played in 100's of tournaments at the club open and masters levels. The team is comprised mainly of seniors, and they're extraordinarly tall , fast, and hungry. They've been practicing five days a week since January! I didn't get a chance to see yesterday's game myself; they finished of FHC Silver in just over 30 minutes! I'll be excited to see this new seedling match up against SLUH and DeSmet this year. If these early contests are any indication, they might even have a shot at unseating Rockhurst at State.
Parkway Central: Another team that hasn't managed to play a game yet this season. They placed 3rd in the league last year, I think--but who knows where they stand this year. A dark horse indeed . . .
Kirkwood: Another of my votes for most Spirited team, Kirkwood finds itself under new management this year, after Senior Jon Hinderliter abandoned the team to join the corporate masses (work program). They haven't even turned in their paperwork yet, and so have played no games. May not be able to get it together this year.
SLUH: #2 in the state last year, SLUH has lost an early scrimmage vs. Marquette and scored only 8 points, if I remember correctly. They have a habit of showing up shorthanded, even savage, and still wiping the floor with their opponents. In last year's state tourney, they took on DeSmet's maroon tide with only 8 or 9 players and eeked out a 14-15 nail-biter after the time-cap. It was possibly the most exciting game I've ever witnessed, with players displaying more late-game grit than I've ever seen. Despite the scrimmage loss to upstart Marquette, no one in the league, or the state, should sleep on SLUH. Oh, and they're now playing all of their home games in their new football stadium--artificial turf. Home field advantage, maybe?
My pick for league champion is Marquette, but I don't see any St. Louis team challenging lonely Kansas City powerhouse Rockhurst for the state title this year. Give us another year to build, to grow, and perhaps we can bring our game to that level. Still, I could be wrong--wouldn't be the first time. The STL boasts a very energetic and active HS scene. Anything could happen. Anything's possible. As proof, think George Mason. Huh? Huh? Yeah . . . it could happen . . .
