Island War Preview- May 7, 2011

 

MERCER ISLAND- "The Island War".  The annual match between the most storied lacrosse programs in Washington state, Bainbridge Island and Mercer Island will take place once again this Saturday May 7.  In April 2007, U.S. Lacrosse recognized the rivalry as one, if not the most fierce on the West Coast.  In what has become a prominent event for both programs all teams from the youth to middle to high school go head-to-head all day.  

 

Last season, Bainbridge Island was embarrassed by the Islanders as they swept all nine games and shutout the varsity 13-0 on their home turf.  This year's Spartans promise to rectify that bringing their best squad in several years back to Mercer.  Much of their coaching staff are Bainbridge alums and know full well the implications, atmosphere and honor that comes with playing this game.  Mercer Island's undefeated record will be put to the test by the Spartans.  

The first key to game will be the midfield battle coming at the face-off circle.  Islander Colton Knebel will face a crafty Alex Crane at the circle.  Also, Spartan middies Cam Parker and Jacob Goodman will match Islander middies Connor Bernal and Doug Mahony.  A looming question is the Bainbridge defense and whether they can keep up with the Islander athletes.  The Spartans faltered to Issaquah last week 8-6.  Bainbridge's high speed jazz style will face Mercer Island's half field, slow tempo. This game promises to live up to its hype.  Since 2001, Bainbridge holds a slight edge in the series 11-9 overall, with games coming as blowouts and close overtime finishes.  Three years have passed since one of these teams won a state championship. Neither team's senior classes have won a state title.  In the rivalry's history two games truly stand out as defining moments.

The first game came during the 2006 semi-finals, when the rivalry was catalyzed by one of the largest and most spirited crowds to date; as a no. 4 seeded Mercer Island squad traveled to a no. 1 seeded Bainbridge Island home field.  School spirit was high this season, as maroon-clad Mercer Island students packed two full school buses to attend.  They were met in force by a large blue-clad and equally raucous home Spartan crowd.  After a neck-and-neck battle on the field and in the stands, the Islanders upset the Spartans 8-7.  The Islanders went on to win their third state championship in a row in the final game against Issaquah.  The second game came in 2007 with a 'Battle of the Islands' state final.  It was a game loaded with talent on both teams, amounting to arguably the best Spartan team ever.  Bainbridge came with two All-Americans- Dylan Masi and Bryan Gilbreath and six all-state selections supported by the state's best senior and junior classes.  The Islanders sported All-American Greg Mahony and four all-state selections.  It was another nail-bitter with lead changes and all-star performances.  Bainbridge eventually dethroned the three-time state champion Mercer Island 9-7, earning their 11th program title.  Most recently, the 2009 game between the two teams saw Mercer Island escape in double overtime 7-6 on a Daniel Shields goal.  It was the first time the Islanders beat the Spartans since 2006.  

This Saturday's games begin at 3 pm at all four locations: MIHS Stadium, MIHS “Upper North” field, Islander Middle School Turf Field and Islander Middle School Sunken Field, and conclude with the Varsity matchup at 7 pm at the Stadium.

 

 

 

MIHS Stadium

MIHS F/S vs BI F/S 3 pm - 5 pm  

MIHS J.V. vs BI J.V. 5 pm - 7 pm  

MIHS Varsity vs Bainbridge 7 pm - 9 pm 

 

IMS Turf

MI 7/8 Maroon vs BI 7/8 3pm - 5pm   

MI 7/8 Black vs BI 7/8 5 pm – 7 pm   

 

Upper North

MI 5/6 White vs BI 5/6 3 pm - 5 pm   

MI 5/6 Maroon vs BI 5/6 5 pm - 7 pm  

 

IMS Sunken Field

MI 3/4 Lakeridge Lions vs BI 3/4 3pm-5pm