I live in Briarcliff Manor and put two son’s through the high school’s lax program, though that was long ago as both are out of college now. I actually did not get a chance to see any of the team’s games this year, the first time in a long time. But here is the team’s MO:
Briarcliff is currently ranked number one in the state for Class D after defeating defending champion Pleasantville in the Sectional final. The team is noted for its match-up zone defense. It held NJ powerhouse Summit this year to two goals, though it did lose 2-1. Aside from this game, the offense is more potent than it has been in past years, with a pair of freshmen and a sophomore leading the way. The team’s soph LSM is particularly good. But as a whole, the success has been built on solid, unselfish and hustling team play rather than around 1-2 big-time studs.
Though young, Briarcliff played an extremely tough schedule, losing only to Summit NJ, Ridgefield CT, New Fairfield CT and Bronxville NY (ranked in 6 NYS Class D currently). Briarcliff beat four teams currently ranked in the top 12 in Class D as well as Class A’s Section 1 runner-up this year. Seven of the top 15 ranked teams in Class D are from Section One