RallyNorth.net

In a Cape Ann League that is run by a pair of lacrosse powerhouses in North Andover and Masconomet, the River Rival teams are all aware that the remainder of the schedule is wide open, and that on any given day, any one team could beat the other.

Kevin Van Lenten stopped 12 shots and the Chieftains killed off a penalty in the fourth quarter to get by North Andover, 3-2. Conor Cliffe, Sean Gallagher and Ben Santos accounted for the offense, which spotted Masco (4-1) a 3-1 lead. Teddy Reed and Clay Cleveland helped pace an outstanding defensive effort.

Fifteen of the 27 players on the roster recorded at least a point and Pinkerton blitzed Keene 21-2. Bobby Datillo led the team with three goals and four assists, and Teagan Norris backed him up with five points.

A driving, diagonal rain. Check.

An overcast sky. Check.

A frigid breeze that pushed spectators onto their heels. Check.

These are the conditions the Pentucket and Georgetown boys lacrosse programs played in yesterday, and despite the inhospitable elements, this great rivalry was a fun game to watch.

2007 record: 6-9, didn't make tourney

Returning starters (6): Steve Delfosse, Sr., midfield; Alex Pittera, Sr., midfield; Brett Miller, Soph., attack; Ryan Shelley, Sr., attack; Eric Jablonski, Sr., midfield; Chris Frediani, Sr., goalie

2007 record: 13-5, lost in Division 1 semifinals

Returning starters (8): Bobby Dattilo, Sr., midfield; Steve Eurieck, Sr., midfield; Peter Mazzola, Sr., midfield; Greg Foster, Sr., defense; Brian Estes, Jr., midfield; Nick Currier, Jr., midfield; Anthony Valentine, Sr., attack; Nolin Murphy, Jr., attack

2007 record: 8-8, lost in Division 1 quarterfinals

Returning starters (8): Justin Sproul, Sr., attack; Jim Curro, Sr., defense; Craig Enos, Sr., attack/midfield; Jim Norris, Sr., defense/long stick midfield; Mike Durand, Jr., midfield; Joel Willbrant, Sr., midfield; Mike Ball, Sr., midfield; Conor McKinney, Jr., defense

2007 record: 4-11, didn't make Division 3 tourney

Returning starters (9): Mike Woonton, Jr., attack; Dan Trainor, Sr., long stick/defense; Billy Sullivan, Sr., midfield;  Andrew Keegan, Jr., goalie; Sean Paradis, Jr., attack; C.J. Ziogas, Jr., midfield; Josh Fisette, Soph, attack; R.J. Riddinger, Jr., defense; Chris Gagne, Soph., long stick midfield

2007 record: 10-5, lost Division 2 quarterfinals

Returning starters (12): Ryan Rothwell, Jr., attack; Tim Fowler, Sr., defense; Jake Schlichte, Jr., attack; Ryan Lewis, Jr., attack; Eric Hebert, Sr., defense; Brendon Keane, Sr., defense; Max Zdrada, Sr., defense; Chris Hinton, Sr., midfield;  Derek Furey, Soph., midfield; Matt Bouchard, Soph., midfield; Erik Hatton, Jr., midfield; Trevor DeVitto, Jr., midfield

Andover lacrosse standout Peter Hanson did his best to stay modest.

"I do whatever I can to score depending on the situation," said the senior midfielder. "But we feel comfortable with anyone on the field taking the shot."

The Manchester Essex boys lacrosse team appears to be poised to build on last year's two-win campaign. At least if yesterday's contest against Pentucket is any barometer.

The Hornets rolled to a 9-4 victory over Pentucket in the season-opener for both schools. The offensive outburst was backed by a five-goal performance from senior attack Will Doucette and a three-goal performance from sophomore attack Jim Finn. Cam Doane added four assists.

Ryan Gendreau, Ryan Hanna and Steve Dangora each had hat tricks and an assist to lead the Generals, who improved to 1-1 with the Cape Ann League road win.. Jake Cotter contributed a pair of goals while Charlie Pilkanis, Ben Penta, Zach Cotter and Jay Allsopp each had one.

Andover defeated Newton South 8-3 in the teams' season opener.

C.J. Shea scored two goals and assisted on one, while Brendan Hughes also added two scores. Peter Hanson had a goal and two assists.

2007 record: 11-8, lost Division 1 East preliminaries

Returning starters (8): Cody Skinner, Sr., goalie; Tom Murray, Sr., attack; Nick Vazquez, Jr., attack; Joe Natale, Jr., attack; Kevin Woodman, Sr., midfield; Ryan Gauthier, Jr., midfield; Kyle Burke, Jr., defense; Troy Warcewicz, Sr., midfield

2007 record: 9-10, lost Division 2 East preliminaries

Returning starters (8): Patrick Helfrich, Sr., midfield; Chris Noyes, Sr., midfield; Preston Carmichael, Sr., midfield; Rob Caulk, Sr., midfield; Shain Jowett, Jr., midfield; Corey Hamilton, Sr., defense; Mike Tavares, Sr., defense; Eric Josephs, Jr., midfield