Puttin’ on the ritz

This is no strange, high school lacrosse gimmick. Curley simply wants to play in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference championship game, which coincides with the school’s senior prom.

The goal is not farfetched. At 11-1, Curley has a strong chance of turning their championship dream date into reality. And should they reach the final, a win would be the school’s first MIAA lacrosse championship.

“All our dates would be there,” senior goalie Ray Wodarski said. “And a couple of our friends would come in tuxedos, too.”

Following a 9-9 record last year, the Friars have morphed into a nearly unstoppable team. They have won all eight conference games and have only lost once — against undefeated public-school power Fallston.

To force the turnaround, Curley mixed newfound depth on defense with a tandem of experienced senior goal scorers in attackmen Kenny Whittaker and Doug Herdigan. The team averages four more goals scored a game than it did last year and allows about four fewer.

“The major difference between last year’s team is not only have we improved on offense, but we have the ball more as a result of our defensive play,” coach Joe LaTona said. “Our defense is strong, and if, for any reason, we have to rest them, our backups are just as strong.”

Curley currently averages nearly 14 goals a game, while their opponents average a little more than five. Whittaker has scored 48 times, while Herdigan has 34 goals.

“I think our offense and defense are putting out better efforts than they did last year,” Herdigan said. “I think we have one of the best attack lines in the state.”

Today, Curley plays Key School, a team that has not won a conference game this year. The Friars’ streak could very well continue toward their prom-night goal.

“If the team plays to its potential, it can go all the way,” LaTona said. “Line the limos up at the field, though, because we have work to do first.”