Offense propels East Meadow

A late goal by senior midfielder Brandon Carlin helped push East Meadow to a 10-9 win over Floral Park in a non-league boys’ lacrosse game on March 31.

The Knights tied the game at 9-9 with 4:00 to play before junior midfielder Anthony LaRosa set up Carlin at the top of the zone for the game-winner with 2:47 left. “We beat Floral Park last year in overtime,” Jets coach Steve D’Argenio said. “There a very good, young and improved team and their defense is solid, so it was a challenge.”

Most defenses are going to have challenges of their own trying to slow down a potent — and versatile — East Meadow offense that’s already piled up 29 goals through three games. The motion offense has been a perfect fit for the experienced Jets, with Carlin, the No. 2 scorer last season and captain this season, leading the top midfield unit. Through three games, Carlin has already racked up 11 points (two goals, nine assists), while senior attack Gerald Burtt has matched the point total with nine goals and a pair of helpers. “We have firepower and we have some good offensive players,” D’Argenio said. “The motion sets up opportunities. All of our offensive guys are good in improvising-type situations. They see the next pass, can make a move and get the [open] shot.”

LaRosa and senior Tom Provenzano line up with Carlin on the first midfield unit, with last year’s top scorer, junior attack James Howell (three goals, five assists so far in 2016), getting plenty of scoring support up front from his linemates, Burtt and senior Mike Reyes (seven goals). In a season-opening 13-9 win over Division on Mar. 23, Burtt racked up a team-high four goals with an assist, and Carlin had seven assists with a goal. “The offense is driven from the top or below, it’s just a matter of the motion,” D’Argenio said. “There seems to be good camaraderie between them all and I don’t see selfish play.”

Senior attack Bryan Pedisich scored his first goal of the season against Floral Park and contributions are also expected at attack by junior Abe Perez and sophomore David Sanzone. The second midfield unit includes senior Mike Babino, junior James Surless and senior Justus Zabala, who has developed into a key for the Jets on faceoffs.

As strong as the offense is, the defense also returns considerable experience with seniors Anthony Farniella and Tom DeNicola anchoring the unit in front of junior goalie John Whitenack, a returning All-County Honorable Mention performer. Sophomore Anthony Turrisi and a pair of freshmen, Payton Stump and Jarrett Piccione are also in the mix on defense. Junior Stephen Falco continues to play well as a defensive midfielder. “We’re getting better on defense,” D’Argenio said. “They’re using their athleticism, and I think that will help.”

In Whitenack, East Meadow has a goaltender that can single-handedly carry a team, or make big saves with the game on the line. Despite missing the bulk of a 9-6 loss to MacArthur on March 26, due to an injury, Whitenack has still stopped 42 of the 57 shots he’s faced.