But here’s the catch. The collective record of those five squads is 4-27-1, and the only “quality” victory in terms of tradition was a 4-0 victory over Archbishop Ryan last Wednesday. So the standings suggest that while the Vikings are a juggernaut, they need to defeat an upper echelon contender to be considered a legitimate threat to eventually dethroning two-time defending champion La Salle.

“La Salle and Roman might be the two biggest games of the year for us in the regular season, and every single one of us is going to have to come ready to play,” said Wood senior goalie Connor Ford. “They were the only two teams we lost to in the league last year, so we will be looking for a little bit of revenge, but we have to be prepared to meet the challenge.”

Wood junior Ryan Morgan concurred.

“La Salle and Roman are two teams that always give us a good game,” said Morgan. “If we keep playing like we have been, I think we can get the job done and come out on top. La Salle is the reigning champs and it would be awesome to get a win against them. Roman is also a very fun matchup because I have played with or against many of the kids on the team. It is always competitive and we have to come ready to play.”

According to Wood senior Joe Trodden, the next two games should take on a playoff atmosphere. 

“These games will be a battle and I expect both teams to come out hungry for a win,” said Trodden. “These games are critical for playoff seeding.”

The boring but effective “one game at a time” approach signifies balance, but the flat-out truth is that some battles mean more than others. 

Roman Catholic is 5-0 with a goal differential of 18 to 2. The Cahillites are coming off wins over Cardinal O’Hara (3-0) and Bonner-Prendergast (3-1). 

Against O’Hara, Eric Williams scored all three goals. Versus B-P, Kevin Davis (also two assists), Joe Lodise, and Danny Hogan found the net. 

“In this league, you have to get up for and play hard every game,” said Roman senior Jared Dillon. “If a team has your number every year or sees something that they can exploit during a regular-season match, that could come back and really hurt you in the playoffs. So if you want to make a deep run, you better be ready to play hard every match.”

Dillon was asked if it difficult maintaining a balanced enthusiasm and not looking past the regular season as the Cahillites chomp at the notion of returning to the final for a fifth straight season and accomplishing their singular objective of bringing home a plaque for the first time since 2015.

“For me it isn’t,” said Dillon, “because I want to play every minute of every match.”

In La Salle’s 7-0 victory over O’Hara on Friday, junior Jake Crawford scored twice.

“The first half we were a little stiff coming out, but we found the right gear and brought it full throttle second half,” said Crawford. “We’re coming together and playing as a team as we prepare for Wood on Tuesday.”

Father Judge snared two wins in successive days, defeating Devon Prep, 6-2, and then Conwell-Egan, 2-0. The Crusaders (4-0-2) join La Salle, Roman Catholic, and Archbishop Wood among the land of the undefeated.

“We’ve been working tirelessly at practice,” said Judge junior Tim Purcell, who, along with senior Owen Ovecka, scored in both victories. “The defense is super strong and our offense is really starting to bury our chances. Every guy on the team is making an impact when they get on the field. The chemistry and environment on and off the field has been great. It’s real exciting to be a part of. We know we have some big games coming up and we’re looking forward to making a statement.”

Roman vs. O'Hara - 79 Photos by Alexandra Conroy

Roman vs. Bonner-Prendie - Photos by Katelyn Roman

Father Judge vs. Conwell-Egan - Photos by Sal Tommassello

“It was massive to get all three points in a game where we didn't play our best, because all of these points matter at the end of the season,” said Filak, a senior. “We didn't pass quickly enough and were just overall sloppy throughout the game. The field was very small so it was difficult to find space. But the win was huge because that doesn't always happen when you don't play well.”