Having a few days off for spring break provided a built-in period of reflection for the Fox Chapel boys lacrosse team. The timing ended up being a good opportunity for coach Jordan Hodder to take a look at how to juice the offense.
Following a 3-0 start, the Foxes took their first loss of the season March 31, losing 8-3 to Pine-Richland. Hodder, who said he had done plenty of reflection since the game ended, wants to have the offense flow more freely.
“We’re fortunate that we have lefties and righties,” Hodder said. “We need to take advantage of attacking both sides of the field on the same possession. We’re keeping the ball on one side of the field. We want to put them in set formations and put them in position to dodge with their heads up and know where their outlets are on the field.”
Against Pine-Richland, Hodder said goalkeeper Jacob Amster had a good night in the net. Amster has gained international experience playing with the Israel Lacrosse Association.
“Jacob stood on his head as much as he could,” Hodder said. “He’s the reason it wasn’t in double digits.”
Fox Chapel opened the season by beating Hampton, Seneca Valley and Hempfield.
“We had a good game against Hampton,” Hodder said. “That showed how good we could be in section. Hempfield was an added game. We were lucky to get that game.”
The Foxes have a number of strong senior players who have helped the team get off to its strong start.
Fox Chapel has more than 10 seniors on the roster.
Griffin McCaffrey is an attack/midfielder who has grown within the program.
“He’s been with us since he was a freshman,” Hodder said. “He’s a big, physical kid who has continued to grow and develop as a player. He has the size and speed.”
Senior Brady Matthews, a Seton Hill commit, has been a standout in the midfield.
Anderson Dockey and Nathan Johnson are multisport athletes who play as short-stick defensive midfielders and long-stick midfielders who have played important roles on defense. Grady Johnson is the anchor of the defensive poles.
Hodder said he is excited to get the team moving on offense again. With the amount of experience the Foxes have, they expect to contend for success in the postseason.
“We are a senior-led team,” Hodder said. “The continuity from playing together has helped us. Against Pine-Richland, we came out flat on offense and didn’t have our top gear.”