|
|||||||||||||
Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
Devils' tale of two seasons continues
It was the best of times. These are the worst of times.One year ago, at the end of April, the Culpeper High lacrosse team was 11-0 en route to a 16-0 start.
As the calendar page turns to May 2008, though, the Blue Devils are still seeking their first victory. The team is 0-9 after a 6-5 loss to Stonewall Jackson at Comet Field last Friday night.
What was expected to be a difficult season has turned into an unimaginable disappointment.
"They have good, solid lacrosse skills when they mesh," CCHS coach Donovan O'Brien said of his team. "We have to get them to do that for 48 minutes."
That has not happened yet, though Friday's loss was the second one-goal defeat Culpeper has suffered in the past three games.
Still, close calls and moral victories are a long way from last season's regular season district title and regional berth.
"We have a championship program," O'Brien said. "And we have a championship team, if they would play consistently."
Time is rapidly running out for the Blue Devils to display their successful pedigree.
As of Thursday, May 1, Culpeper has four games plus the Cedar Run District tournament left. So there is a chance for redemption ? but also the possibility that the season could end within a week.
"Really what we have to do is get them over their timidness," O'Brien said. "Now we're getting into district games against teams we've played once before.
"They've had so much uncertainty."
Much of that stems from the turnover from last year's squad. As has been well documented, CCHS lost the majority of its roster to graduation, and former head coach Scott Found was ousted.
The results have been brutal for a team, and a community, spoiled by last season's incredible run.
And as if things were not hard enough, star middie Richard DeJarnette dislocated his right shoulder on Friday ? meaning he is likely out for the remainder of the season.
It is just one more challenge for a team that has struggled to overcome so many obstacles already.
"I think they understand that Friday they played much better, and they're well aware of what they can do," O'Brien said. "It just takes them too long to heat up."
The Blue Devils first-half struggles have plagued them throughout the season. Once again, on Friday, the early yips reared their ugly heads.
CCHS fell behind Stonewall 6-1 at halftime and, as has been the norm, could not recover.
But O'Brien took solace in his team's continued effort. Even in an 0-9 start ? with the 2007 accomplishments hanging over their heads ? the Blue Devils have kept plugging away.
Sooner or later, Culpeper hopes that will show on the field.
"It's more attitude than anything else," O'Brien said. "The record's not good, but now we can see if there's been that improvement."
You must be logged in to post a comment.