As the snow starts to melt off of the turf, a new breed of players lace up their cleats and prepare for their season. Boys lacrosse kicked off its campaign March 4, when the team hit the field bright and early at 6:00 a.m.

Midfielders and attackers need to achieve a 2-mile run in a time of 13:30 and defenders must run it in 14:30 to make varsity. If a player does not make the required time, he will be running everyday after school until he can make the time and play on varsity.

The expectations for the 2016 season is substantial compared to previous seasons. This year, there will be eight returning seniors. Almost all of these athletes made varsity his freshman year.

These seniors are going to be the “essential eight” who need to preform at a consistent high level in order for the Raiders to have a successful season.

Consisting of seniors Thomas Boland, Dillon Zimmerman, Brendan Nork, Shaun Consentino, Ryan Melillo, Travis Casey, Connor Genes, and Thomas Mahoney, the essential eight will be looked upon to lead the team both on and off the field.

Boland, is a four year starter and the captain this year. He is also Hillsborough’s leading goal scorer with 46 goals.

“He is always a scoring threat wherever he is on the field,” Consentino said.

Joining Boland in the attack will be Zimmerman, another scoring threat.

At midfield are two more four year starters. Nork, the team’s face-off man, is an unstoppable force at the dot. Melillo, a three-year varsity member, will also be key to the team’s success. Unfortunately, Melillo has struggled with injuries so will most be used for man-up situations.

One of the most improved players at midfield is Consentino. He did not play on varsity until the end of his sophomore year but quickly made his mark on the team. Consentino’s previously filled the role of defensive midfielder, but this year will transition to offense.

At defense, Genes is the backbone. He is a four year starter and is the squad’s defensive captain. Genes is committed to Eastern University to play Division III lacrosse for the Eagles.

Behind all of this star power is goalie Mahoney. Mahoney claimed the net in his junior year and has not looked back. In one year, Mahoney received team and defensive MVP awards, and was named to the 2nd team All Conference lineup in 2015. Mahoney recently committed to Elizabethtown where he will continue his playing days manning the net for the Blue Jays.

The boys lacrosse team has the potential to be one of the best in the conference this year and should be a sight to see for all Raider fans.