Defense is key for Valley Stream

With offense and depth question marks, Valley Stream District will rely heavily on its defense and ability to win face-offs to remain competitive against some of the top boys’ lacrosse programs in Nassau County.

“We’re rebuilding the offense after graduation our two best scorers,” said coach Dan Achatz, referring to Henry Waslo and Connor Sciacca. “We’re looking for scoring, and it’s going to take a collective effort. We need everyone to contribute whatever they can and take some pressure off the defense.”

Midfielder Jesse Oppenheimer, a senior from Valley Stream North, put the offense on his back in the season opener and led a come-from-behind 9-8 victory over Wheatley. He found the net five times as the team erased a three-goal deficit through three quarters, scoring six goals in the fourth to steal the win. “Jesse’s very fast and shifty, and shoots well on the run,” Achatz said. “He’s a tough kid and a workhorse. He clears the ball, dodges and draws double teams, and wins ground-ball battles.”

Another returning starter in the midfield, senior Eddie Dietrich from North, is a quick, tough and aggressive player at both ends. He picked up a goal in the opener and is someone the team will rely on to be a catalyst.

Up from the junior varsity squad, sophomore middie Chris Roberts made an impact in his varsity debut by controlling the face-off circle in the second half. “We gave him the game ball,” Achatz said. “He’s a big, solid kid who’s aggressive on the draws. We’re going to utilize him there and work him into other aspects of the game. He was solid on JV last year.”

There’s potential on attack, but whether or not Valley Stream can score enough to be competitive remains to be seen. Terry Gagstetter, a senior at Central who moved up front from midfield, got the game-winner against Wheatley with two minutes remaining and has a knack for making big plays. “We’re looking to Terry for leadership,” Achatz said.

Senior Zach Silverstein, from South, has good vision and is a creative feeder, while sophomore Malik Talbert, from Central, brings solid stick skills and passing ability to the ‘X’ position. “He attacks the cage,” Achatz said of Talbert.

Achatz’s defense is all about four juniors — Nick Miller from North in goal, and Greg Jursack, Francisco Montalvo and Bobby Madramootoo from Central in the back row. Miller made 15 saves in the opener and is “the quarterback of the defense,” the coach said. “Nick went to lacrosse camp during the summer and continues to get better,” he added.

Jursack can expect the toughest defensive assignment every game and is rarely caught out of position, Montalvo is the unit’s enforcer and never hesitates to use his body, and Madramootoo is quick with quality stick skills. “Those guys are workhorses and in shape,” Achatz said. “They won’t come off the field much.”

The next home game is April 20 against Oceanside at Firemen’s Field.