Over the past few years, CHS boys lacrosse has been synonymous with excellence.  This year is no different, as the highly touted Bulldogs seem charged up for a chance at another deep playoff run.

The team enters the season with a sour taste in its mouth, hoping to get back to the state championship and redeem itself from last year’s 14-6 loss in the finals to Howard.  This was the first time CHS has gotten all the way to the state final and is primed to get back there this season.

“We became more mature as a team,” sophomore midfielder Reed Moshyedi said in regards to the state championship loss. “We were reminded of how much we hate losing, especially in a big game, and it will only motivate us to work harder to succeed this year.”

Making that deep of a playoff run last season gave much-needed playoff experience to Moshyedi, and to the numerous other underclassmen on the team this year.

Sophomore defenders Jack Taylor and Jimmy Rubino also gained invaluable playoff experience, which they hope will pay dividends for them this year.

Along with the underclassmen, the team has a plethora of seniors looking to pave the way for a historic run this season.  Among the seniors hopeful for a big season is midfielder and faceoff specialist Austin Laborwit.

“Individually, I want to be better offensively, since last year I would take the faceoff and play more defensively,” Laborwit said.

While Laborwit and Moshyedi lead the midfield, the defense seems to be the team’s biggest strength this year.  CHS is returning three soon-to-be Division I defenders, which include Taylor, Rubino and Syracuse commit Cristian Edwards, as well as senior goalie Markus Hurd.

The talented mix of both underclassmen and upperclassmen on last year’s roster brought great success to the team, and especially the defense.  The seniors are hopeful that the experience will translate to success again this season.

“This offseason, Ryan Sorkin and I led weight room and running workouts two-to-three times a week and worked as a team to get bigger and faster,” Laborwit said.  “It helped bring the team together and also was a good chance to work with the younger lacrosse players new to the program.”

The Bulldogs quest for another state championship appearance will officially be underway against The Heights School March 23.

“We are fully capable of winning, and also, it leaves a target for all the other teams in the state to take us out,” Laborwit said. “We worked hard and will continue to work until we show that we are the best team in Maryland.”