Jordon Hodder speaks quite positively when he analyzes what the Fox Chapel Area boys lacrosse team could achieve this season.
Every key player returns from a team that sported a 9-9 record in 2023 and advanced to the WPIAL quarterfinals after knocking off Central Catholic before losing to top-seeded Peters Township.
“We return all productivity,” coach Hodder said. “We return all of our starters this year and we are back-filling with much improved underclassmen. The freshmen from last year have really taken off this offseason and have gotten to work.
“The majority of our starters from last year were juniors and we’re coming in with a few high quality juniors that were sophomores last year and our large freshmen class from last year is really getting its footing and that’s really promising. There’s a lot of excitement in the group.”
Coach Hodder is entering his second year as coach of the boys lacrosse team and was pleased with how the initial campaign transpired, but feels there is more that can be accomplished.
“We probably ended one game shorter than we could have,” he said. “But last year was the first year for all of these guys to have the experience of being in the playoffs, the first time experiencing a non-losing season. It was a grueling season. We learned a lot.”
That’s a true statement. The team started slow last season but ended the campaign on a win streak that got it into the postseason after just missing by one win in 2022.
“We had to fight to get into the playoffs and they stood on their heads and got it done,” coach Hodder said. “They showed a lot of mental growth. It just took them a while to realize that they were not only talented enough to compete with the top schools, but mentally they realized what it takes to get to where we need to be.”
Another reason coach Hodder has some optimism for the season is that he feels they played their best game of 2023 in the win over Central Catholic. Plus, the loss to Peters Township came without top scorer, senior attackman Jake Siddons.
“I think we could have won that game,” the coach said. “Overall, it was a really positive season. Going into this season we have learned a lot as coaches and players.”
Hodder described Jake as a “pure goal scorer.”
“He has a knack for scoring goals,” coach Hodder said of Jake. “We definitely missed him in our last playoff game. He’s one we know if we can put the ball in his hands, he can find the back of the net.”
Another scoring threat for the Foxes is senior midfielder Ryan Napolitan, who paced the team in assists in 2023 and was second in goals. He also earned the team’s leadership award last season.
“He’s a do-it-all kind of midfielder,” coach Hodder said. “We can run him both ways. He has a great knack to get into the middle of the field. He’s just a tough player.”
Returning as goalkeeper is senior Kaeden Pekarcik, a Florida Southern recruit.
“He’s very solid in net,” coach Hodder said. “He’s very confident. Last year was his first ever of starting and playing a full game. We’re very excited to have him back. He’s definitely an anchor for us on defense.”
The Foxes also return to key defenders in seniors Rocco Didomenico and Nolan Childs.
“Our senior class is ready to break out,” coach Hodder said. “Everything is out in front of them and they can go and get it.”
The Foxes reside in WPIAL Class 3A, Section 2. The toughest competition is expected to come from neighboring Shady Side Academy and North Allegheny.
“We definitely have the ability to compete against them, even more so than last year,” coach Hodder said. “Mentally, they weren’t quite ready to do it last year. l think this year we’ll get them to a point where we can. if we can put it together fundamentally and lacrosse-wise, they can compete.”