Lenape boys looking for an upset in state lacrosse final

It wouldn't be quite right to say that Bill Sutphin will be looking for his second miracle in two days.

But the Lenape boys' lacrosse coach wouldn't mind if his family's good fortune rubbed off on his team.

Sutphin missed practice Tuesday because his wife Robin delivered the couple's fourth child earlier in the day.

Much earlier.

"Been at the hospital since 1:30 this morning," Sutphin said Tuesday afternoon.

Little Breelyn Sutphin made her appearance in this world one day before her dad's team plays in the Group 4 state final.

Lenape (13-6) will be a decided underdog against Bridgewater-Raritan (20-0) in the title game at 7:30 p.m. at Hopewell Valley High School.

Shawnee (16-3) will face Ridgewood (17-5) in the Group 3 state final at 7:30 p.m. at Ridge.

"Our guys feel like they can hang with the big teams in the state," Sutphin said.

Lenape is making its first appearance in the state final. The Indians advanced by beating rival Cherokee in the South Jersey title game.

it was a breakthrough for Lenape's seniors, many of whom were on the field when the team lost in overtime to Southern in the South Jersey Group 4 final in 2014.

"That was their motivation all year," Sutphin said. "We've been going a step farther in the playoffs every year. Now we're out of steps."

Sutphin credits strong leadership from senior captains Connor Wolfe, Anthony Brunetti and Vinnie Alfinito.

One key to the game Wednesday night could be the work of faceoff man Conor Gaffney, a senior and Lehigh recruit.

"We have to try to slow them down," Sutphin said of Bridgewater-Raritan. "They have a lot of firepower."

Bridgewater Raritan is one of the state's power programs. The Panthers are No. 2 in the state according to NJ.com and are seeking their fifth state title in their 10th appearance in the final.

Sutphin isn't looking for another miracle. He got one of them with the arrival of a baby on Tuesday.

But he thinks his team could surprise some people.

"Our guys feel like they can hang in there and play with this team," Sutphin said. "We lost by one to Shawnee, by one to St. Augustine.

"Our guys are confident."

@PhilAnastasia

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