Game 3 Preview: BayHawks Host Blaze
Published on June 28, 2019 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chesapeake Bayhawks News Release
ANNAPOLIS, MD - There has been a lot to like about the Chesapeake Bayhawks so far this season. Topping that list is Chesapeake's two come-from-behind road victories to start their 2019 campaign.
"Our team has shown a lot of grit and determination. We've trailed in both games and found a way to fight back and win in a hostile environment," Chesapeake Head Coach Dave Cottle said. "We haven't been perfect yet, but our effort has been outstanding. We play together and we play with great effort."
Chesapeake (2-0) will look to remain as one of two undefeated teams in Major League Lacrosse when they host the Atlanta Blaze (2-1) on Saturday, June 29 at 6:30 PM EST at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. It will be the Bayhawks' Third Annual Hometown Hero & First Responder Appreciation Night. The game will feature a fireworks show, presented by Anne Arundel County Medical Center, following the game.
With dynamic attackman Lyle Thompson leading the way, the Bayhawks have displayed high-levels of firepower so far. Thompson leads Major League Lacrosse with 6.5 points-per-game over two games and Chesapeake ranks second as a team with an average of 15 goals-per-game.
"We have shown an ability to score in bunches. We have some very talented players on offense, and the best part is that they're still developing chemistry together," Cottle said. "I think there is potential for this offense to be even better than it has shown so far."
Thompson has used his slick stickwork, superb instincts and unpredictable jukes to score nine goals while dishing out four assists. This marks the first time since joining the organization in 2017 that the former UAlbany All-American has started the season with the Bayhawks. In the previous two seasons, the two-time Tewaaraton Award winner missed numerous games due to Major League Lacrosse's overlap with the National Lacrosse League, the indoor professional league.
"Lyle is an incredible lacrosse player who always brings unbelievable effort to the field," Cottle said. "Lyle is one of the few guys who, when he scores, all the other players look at each other like, 'Wow!' His imagination and creativity are really quite impressive."
Veteran attackman Steele Stanwick has been the consummate offensive quarterback so far, tied second in the MLL with eight assists. Stanwick's playmaking ability is a big reason why the Bayhawks stand second in MLL in assists per game (8.5).
Lefty attackman Colin Heacock had a hat trick in Chesapeake's 14-11 season-opening victory against the Dallas Rattlers. He then added a goal and two assists during a 16-14 shootout win in Long Island over the New York Lizards.
"We would like to get a little more out of Colin, who is such a strong, powerful dodger," Cottle said. "One of the questions we have is: Should we play Colin at midfield some in order to get the ball in his hands more often?"
Cottle said it has been difficult to develop continuity in any area of the field due to a lack of games and practices during the first month of the season. Chesapeake opened on June 2nd in Frisco, Texas and then had a bye the next weekend. Following that, the Bayhawks played at the Lizards on June 15 and then had another bye week last weekend.
"We've played two games in 20-something days. It is not an ideal situation, but our players have been unfazed by the schedule," Cottle said. "We didn't have practice the night before the Dallas game due to rain. We've wound up having just two practices this month."
Cottle has scheduled practices for Friday night and Saturday morning in advance of the Atlanta game. Chesapeake plans to improve their full-field during these trainings, such as clearing and transition defense.
"There is a lot of full-field stuff we need to clean up. One area we really need to address is ground ball play in the middle of the field. That has been our biggest weakness so far," Cottle said.
"Offensively, we go through periods when we turn the ball over more than we should. We need to continue to get to know each other so we can be more comfortable on that end," Cottle added. "We also need to do a better job of getting the ball out of the defensive end the first time. We've had too many failed clears."
The Bayhawks family suffered a tough loss this week with the passing of Jim Bernhardt, who served as an assistant coach with the team in 2018. Bernhardt, whose eldest son Jesse is a starting defenseman for the Bayhawks, died of cancer.
"Jim was a great man, a great father and a great coach. He will be missed by all," Cottle said.
Despite the devastating loss, Jesse Bernhardt is expected to play for the Bayhawks on Saturday night. As a veteran of the team, Bernhardt brings valuable leadership alongside other leaders like Matt Abbott and Brian Phipps. Bernhardt missed the season opener, but started the team's second game against New York.
"Getting Jesse back was a big help in terms of providing communication and direction. We've been using a lot of young players on defense and they need that veteran presence," Cottle said.
The seven-year professional will likely be joined on close defense by a pair of rookies who have acquitted themselves quite well so far - Zac Prattson and Warren Jeffrey. Prattson was named Major League Lacrosse's Cascade Rookie of the Week following his performance against the Lizards when he defended perennial All-Star attackman Rob Pannell and gobbled up four ground balls.
"Zac Prattson is a real smart player and a solid cover guy. I reviewed the film and Pannell only scored one goal on Zac," Cottle said.
Nick Mariano, in his first season with the Bayhawks after previously playing for the Florida Launch, has been the primary offensive catalyst in the midfield. Mariano netted hat tricks in both the Dallas and New York games.
Atlanta is led offensively by attackman Randy Staats and midfielder Bryan Cole. Annapolis resident Alex Woodall (St. Mary's High School, Towson University) is the primary faceoff specialist for the Blaze.
"They're big, strong and very physical. Staats and Cole are both a handful to defend," Cottle said. "We've got to play fast, but we have to take care of the ball. We need to make this a full-field game."
The Chesapeake Bayhawks open their home season on Saturday, June 29 at 6:30 PM EST as they take on the Atlanta Blaze for Hometown Hero & First Responder Appreciation Night. The game will be played at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD and will feature a postgame firework show, courtesy of Anne Arundel Medical Center.
Improved for this season is the new Lexus Tailgate which will open at 3:30 PM EST for all fans. The tailgate, located in the parking lot, will feature live music entertainment, a car smash benefiting a local charity, the new and free Bayhawks photo booth and games for kids. Ticket holders who are 21 years of age and older can receive complimentary Bud Light in the tailgate area.
To purchase tickets, please visit thebayhawks.com/tickets or call the Chesapeake Bayhawks Ticket Office at 866-99-HAWKS. The ticket office can also be reached at sales@thebayhawks.com. The Chesapeake Bayhawks' full season schedule can be viewed at thebayhawks.com/schedule.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 28, 2019
- 2019 MLL Week Five Preview - MLL
- Game 3 Preview: BayHawks Host Blaze - Chesapeake Bayhawks
- Denver Outlaws Beat Dallas Rattlers 15-9 in Home Opener - Denver Outlaws
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
