Sports

Q&A: No. 1 Churchill Lax to Face Rival Wootton for State Semis Berth

Churchill head boys lacrosse coach Jeff Fritz helps preview the game.

No. 1 Churchill hosts No. 3 Wootton at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the MPSSAA 4A/3A West Region lacrosse finals. The winner advances to Friday's state semifinal game. On April 24, Churchill knocked off Wootton by a single goal in the teams' lone meeting of the season. Bulldogs head coach Jeff Fritz answered a few questions to help preview the game.

Patch: Wootton is a traditional rival for you guys. Does it get any better—for you, for the team, for the fans—than this environment for a chance to play in the state semifinals?

Fritz: No, it doesn’t get any better. All you can ask for is an opportunity to play against your rival for the right to compete in the state final four.

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Patch: The game is a rematch of your April 24 win over the Patriots, a game that came down to the wire and could have gone to overtime. What did you take away from the win and what adjustments do you make for a second go-around?

Jeff Fritz: The game was tight and we expect it again Wednesday night, we both have solid teams and are familiar with one another.

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Patch: Who are some players to watch for from Churchill? Any players who have committed to continue their lacrosse career at the collegiate level?

Fritz: No. 5, Matt Leonard, signed to play at Towson; No. 32, Louis Dubick, [gave a] verbal commit to Maryland; and No. 22, Morgan Rhodes, [is] playing at McDaniel next year. 

Patch: Who's an unsung guy from your team who you think could be a difference maker in the game?

Fritz: Steven Stillwell, our face-off man, and Ian Pollekoff, our ground ball specialist.

Patch: Players to watch for Wootton?

Fritz: No. 28 Matt Hoy and No. 3 Joe Kelly.


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