Darien Lacrosse: Chasing Championships and Cementing a Legacy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Darien High School lacrosse team has a storied history of success since 1984, and last season was no exception. Under the guidance of U.S. Lacrosse and Connecticut Lacrosse Hall of Famer Jeff Brameier, a 41-year coaching veteran, the team advanced to the FCIAC Championship and the CIAC State Championship, narrowly falling short in both contests. Despite these setbacks, the team demonstrated resilience and talent, solidifying its position as one of the top teams in Connecticut.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darien's goals for the upcoming season are to win the FCIAC Championship and reclaim the CIAC State Championship. The team aims for a 20-win season, a challenging feat due to its incredibly competitive schedule, which includes matchups against some of the best teams in the nation, such as Brunswick, St. Anthony's, Chaminade, Yorktown, Manhasset, and Bishop Guertin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year's squad features a mix of talented seniors and a strong junior class, providing much of the team's depth and skill. Several players are poised to play pivotal roles this season, including juniors [player_tooltip player_id='17753' first='Max' last='McBride'] (Lafayette), [player_tooltip player_id='16397' first='Ryan' last='Thurlow'] (Villanova), and [player_tooltip player_id='17846' first='Ben' last='Bilodeau'] (Georgetown).&nbsp; Senior midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='121623' first='Connor' last='McNamara'] and junior midfielders [player_tooltip player_id='141990' first='Declan' last='Pettit'], [player_tooltip player_id='23348' first='Jack' last='Marisca'] (Loyola), and Chase Lane (Holy Cross) will also be essential to the team's success, providing skill and leadership in the midfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the defensive end, the team will rely on Penn State commit and Inside Lacrosse 4-star [player_tooltip player_id='19160' first='Mark' last='McNamara'], the backbone of the defense. McNamara effectively neutralizes the opposition's top players with his physicality, hard-hitting style, and advanced skills. In goal, George Persinger (St. Lawrence) is expected to have a strong season, anchoring the defense and providing a commanding presence in the net. With impactful players on both ends of the field, Darien is well-positioned to excel this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the coaching front, the program welcomes two new coaches eager to make an impact. Chris Schreiber, a two-time National Champion from Johns Hopkins and graduate from the class of 1985, will collaborate with Coach Brameier on the offense, while Rick Beardsley, a four-time All-American defender at Syracuse and former Atlas LC defensive coach, will focus on defense alongside Chris Sgritta, the defensive coordinator. These additions reinforce Darien's confidence in its coaching and leadership to guide the team to success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Darien prepares for the new season, the team's focus, talent, and dedication set the stage for another exciting year. With high expectations, strong leadership, and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Darien lacrosse team is poised to chase titles and cement its legacy as one of the premier programs in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Daniel Jeffers ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"142","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Darien ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Express North","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793135a79ddc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Daniel Jeffers is a highly skilled and fundamentally sound midfielder known for his slick playstyle and technical precision. His ability to execute at a high level makes him a reliable and impactful presence on the field. A varsity player as a freshman, Jeffers' well-rounded skill set and composure distinguish him as a key contributor to his team's success and a player to watch for the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Briggs Davis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"148","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Darien","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Eclipse","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793135a79ed6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Briggs Davis is an outstanding athlete with an imposing 6'3” frame, making him a dominant presence on the field. Exceptional at securing ground balls and intercepting passes, Davis excels in creating turnovers and pushing the ball in transition. His athleticism and versatility make him a valuable two-way player. A varsity contributor as a freshman, Davis has demonstrated immense potential and impact early in his career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Michael Kniffin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"143","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Darien","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793135a79fa6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Michael Kniffin is a highly intelligent and versatile three-sport athlete who thrives as a perfect two-way midfielder. Equally solid on both ends of the field, Kniffin excels at creating opportunities on offense while remaining a reliable presence on defense. His athleticism, game IQ, and well-rounded skill set make him a key contributor in all aspects of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Wes Scallan","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"143","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Darien","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Eclipse","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793135a7a06b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wes Scallan is a versatile athlete who brings his football experience as a starting secondary player to the lacrosse field. A lefty midfielder with the potential to secure a starting role, Scallan's athleticism and game awareness make him a valuable contributor. Despite being uncommitted, largely due to his focus on football, he possesses the skill set and determination to make an impact at the next level in lacrosse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Rowan Levine","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"146","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Darien","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Eclipse","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793135a7a12d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rowan Levine is a fundamentally sound defensive player with the versatility to thrive as both a Long-Stick Midfielder and Close Defender. Renowned for his exceptional ground ball skills, Levine's reliability and defensive acumen make him an invaluable team asset. His adaptability and ability to influence the game from multiple positions underscore his importance on the field. A varsity player as a freshman, Levine's talent and potential are evident.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='141990' first='Declan' last='Pettit']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"149","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Darien","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Express North","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793135a7a1ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='141990' first='Declan' last='Pettit'] is a highly intelligent and versatile two-way midfielder, known for his exceptional lacrosse IQ and ability to impact both ends of the field. He excels in transition, seamlessly contributing to the offensive attack while remaining a reliable presence on defense. Pettit's well-rounded skill set and game awareness will be essential to his team's success this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Henry Jeffers","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"143","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Darien","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Eclipse","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793135a7a2af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Henry Jeffers is an incredibly athletic and fundamentally sound sophomore who stands out as one of the best offensive players in his class. A varsity contributor as a freshman, and known for his versatility, Jeffers can excel both as an attackman and a midfielder, making him a dynamic threat on the field. His well-rounded skills and ability to adapt to different positions highlight his potential as a key offensive contributor for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jimmy Bennedict ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"146","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Darien","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Eclipse","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793135a7a370"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='129662' first='Jimmy' last='Benedict'] is the top sophomore defender at Darien, known for his versatility on the defensive end. Capable of excelling in both LSM and Close Defense, he provides a dynamic presence on the field. As a Wide Receiver for the Darien football team, his exceptional hand-eye coordination and ability to catch challenging passes translate seamlessly to lacrosse, particularly in his skill to pick off passes in the air. Benedict is also a strong transition player, offering added offensive support from his defensive position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->