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<p>In a position where every fraction of a second matters, the faceoff stripe can be the ultimate battleground — and at this year's Best In Class event at Chase Fieldhouse, some of the top 2027 faceoff specialists proved they're more than just whistle-timers. They were gritty, technical, athletic, and, in many cases, game-changing. Across a competitive field loaded with talent, a select group stood out not just for their ability to win draws, but for how they handled pressure, adapted their approach, and made smart decisions after the clamp. These are the FOGOs who elevated their stock and turned heads on Day 1.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">In the final game of the day at Chase Fieldhouse, one player stood head and shoulders above the rest at the faceoff X: Finley Bare. The moment his chrome helmet lined up for a draw, it was clear his team was about to take control. Possession after possession, Bare set the tone with a lightning-quick pinch and pop technique that left opposing specialists searching for answers. His dominance didn't end at the whistle. Bare's athleticism was on full display all game long. Even in the rare instances where the draw turned into a 50/50 ground ball, he consistently beat his opponents to the spot with explosive first steps and a relentless motor. It wasn't just about winning the clamp — it was about winning the race.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">What makes Bare even more dangerous is his ability to make plays once the ball is in his stick. He's not a faceoff guy who immediately looks to dish it off — he can dodge, run by defenders, and even create offense. One highlight came when he carried the ball behind the cage and executed a sharp change of direction that showcased his agility and stick skills. For a position often viewed as specialized, Bare plays with the versatility and confidence of a two-way midfielder.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Zander Brasher didn't waste any time making an impression on Day 1 of the Best In Class event. During the opening positional training segment, he quickly emerged as one of the top faceoff specialists on the field. In a stretch of consecutive one-on-one battles at the stripe, Brasher went undefeated for an extended run, consistently winning clamps. While he may not have the size of some of his peers, Brasher more than makes up for it with elite quickness and technical precision. His pinch and pop to space was nearly automatic, allowing him to dictate where the ball would go before his opponent could react. Time and again, he created clean exits with smart angles and split-second reactions. Once the ball hit the turf, Brasher was typically the first one there. Whether scooping cleanly or goosing it to open space, his urgency and awareness made him a nightmare in loose-ball scrums. He played fast, but under control — and that poise carried into his work with the ball in his stick. Brasher showcased his handle under pressure, using a range of passing angles to break out of double teams and connect in transition. He didn't just defer after the win — he was confident enough to carry into space and even look to score. With a hard shot and the ability to draw early slides, Brasher brings more than just possession value. He's a true threat after the faceoff, forcing defenses to account for him well beyond the X.</p>
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<p>At the Best In Class lacrosse showcase, one of the most physically imposing faceoff specialists in the Class of 2027 made his presence known. Trystean Warburton didn't always win the initial clamp, but that didn't stop him from dominating the X. His ability to outmuscle opponents and grind out possession after possession made him one of the toughest matchups of the day. In fact, Warburton was the only FOGO who consistently gave Finley Bare — one of the event's most dominant faceoff men — real problems. That level of competitiveness against top-tier talent is what separates good specialists from great ones.</p>
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<p>Warburton's game is more than just physicality. He showed strong athleticism, quick hands under pressure, and the ability to stay composed even with intense wing pressure crashing in. He routinely handled the ball with confidence, using creative passing angles and smart decisions to maintain possession and initiate transition. For college coaches and recruiters tracking 2027 faceoff talent, Warburton is a name to know. He brings a complete skill set to the position: physical toughness, technical ability, and the confidence to make plays after the win. His performance at Best In Class solidified his status as one of the top rising FOGOs in his class.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">On Day 1 of the Best In Class lacrosse event, 2027 faceoff specialist JJ Frankl made a strong impression with his well-rounded approach at the stripe. In a setting full of specialists with standout traits, Frankl separated himself with his versatility and IQ — a player who has an answer for nearly every look thrown his way. He started the day winning matchups consistently, including several clean clamps against physical specialist MJ Maraglino. Frankl's ability to time up the whistle and secure the initial clamp stood out immediately, but it was the depth of his technique that made him truly effective. When the draw didn't go perfectly, he didn't panic — instead, he adjusted with smart counters, clean exits, and strong communication with his wings. Whether it was popping the ball to space, engaging in tie-ups, or trusting his wing play, Frankl showed that he understands how to manage the entire faceoff scenario, not just the first move.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Physical. Tough. Those are the two words that best describe MJ Maraglino, one of the grittiest faceoff specialists at the 2027 Best In Class lacrosse showcase. He's the type of FOGO who simply doesn't move if he doesn't want to — a powerful, low-to-the-ground presence who thrives in the chaos of 50/50 ground balls.</p>
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<p>Maraglino may be best known for his ability to box out and dominate loose-ball situations, but he also showed he can win draws cleanly. In the very first game of the day at Chase Fieldhouse, he set the tone early with two straight wins at the stripe, establishing himself as a physical tone-setter from the first whistle. What separated Maraglino wasn't just his start — it was his stamina. As the day went on and reps piled up, he continued to outwork opponents in gritty ground ball scrums. That kind of effort and toughness translates well to the next level, where endurance and physicality are critical over the course of a full college game. Maraglino is the kind of faceoff specialist who wins games not just with technique, but with toughness that doesn't wear down.</p>
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<p></p>
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In a position where every fraction of a second matters, the faceoff stripe can be the ultimate battleground — and at this year's Best In Class event at Chase Fieldhouse, some of the top 2027 faceoff specialists proved they're more than just whistle-timers. They were gritty, technical, athletic, and, in many cases, game-changing. Across a competitive field loaded with talent, a select group stood out not just for their ability to win draws, but for how they handled pressure, adapted their approach, and made smart decisions after the clamp. These are the FOGOs who elevated their stock and turned heads on Day 1.
HEIGHT
6'0"
POS
FO
CLASS
2027
School:
Lampeter Strasburg
Club:
Freedom
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HEIGHT
5'10"
POS
FO
CLASS
2026
State:
Florida
School:
IMG Academy
Club:
SweetLax
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HEIGHT
5'10"
POS
FO
CLASS
2027
School:
Espiscopal School of Dallas
Club:
West Coast Starz
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School:
Severn School
Club:
Annapolis Hawks
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School:
Brunswick
Club:
2Way
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