2024 PA Schedule Rundown: Academy of the New Church and Radnor
With the start of the 2024 lacrosse season a few days away for two of the top-ranked teams in the state of Pennsylvania, we thought it was time to review the schedules for the Academy of the New Church and Radnor.
First, let us review the upcoming season for the squad from southeastern Pennsylvania that has won nine consecutive Friends School League championships and enters the 2024 season as the No. 7 ranked team in the state.
Last spring Academy of the New Church assembled a 15-5 record to go along with a FSL trophy. All five of ANC's setbacks in 2023 came against nationally ranked opponents, with traditional powers Radnor, Malvern Prep, La Salle, Culver, and Lawrenceville getting the best of ANC last season.
The Lions' schedule is just as challenging in 2024. However, the good news is head coach Jack Forster returns a host of talented DI prospects who are now battle-tested after last year's scheduling gauntlet. After hosting a scrimmage against Loyola Blakefield, ANC will begin the regular season on the road at Penn Charter of the Inter-Ac. Next is a three-game homestand that sees Perkiomen School, Valor Christian (Colo.) and Shady Side Academy visit the Bryn Athyn campus, with that section of ANC's schedule followed by a quick road trip to Episcopal Academy.
ANC's early April schedule features difficult contests vs. Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, at Westtown School, and vs. Hill School. On April 19th, the Lions take on an up-and-coming Shipley School team and on April 25th, they host Florida's IMG Academy. The close of ANC's 2024 regular season schedule boasts extraordinarily impressive opponents. A stretch run of games against preseason nationally ranked Malvern Prep (No. 5), then Radnor (No. 21) and finally, Lawrenceville (No. 1) should prepare ANC extremely well for the National Championship event in mid-May.
In 2023 the Raptors racked up a 23-3 record and their third straight PIAA 3A state title, with their only regular season losses coming by a single goal in their opener at Episcopal Academy and then at Long Island power Garden City (NY). Radnor's other hiccup was a 10-8 loss in the District 1 championship game at the hands of archrival Springfield.
Radnor has won three straight PIAA state titles, and Inside Lacrosse has the Raptors ranked #21 in their preseason poll. However, a host of changes and a brutal 2024 schedule will present a daunting challenge to a 4-peat. The Raptors graduated seven starters and a handful of other key contributors. Plus, legendary head coach John Begier announced his retirement in September.
Still, Radnor returns fifteen seniors and several key juniors. Taking the helm is veteran head coach Mike Friel who led Springfield to the 2016 3A state title. So, there are plenty of reasons to think another state ‘chip is a possibility.
The road to a 4-peat begins with non-conference contests against Episcopal Academy, at Brunswick School (No. 6 in IL's preseason poll) and home vs. Pennsylvania 3A powerhouse Manheim Township. Their Central League schedule is highlighted by an away game vs. arch-nemesis Springfield on April 12th. Eight days later on the 20th, Radnor will take the short drive down I-95 to face Salesianum, the reigning Delaware state champions. Radnor closes the season in tough fashion with games at LaSalle, at Conestoga, and then home against Academy of New Church.
