SPORTS

Ponte Vedra still looking for a challenge in boys lacrosse playoffs

Tallahassee Leon (10-7) at Ponte Vedra (18-1), 7 p.m.

DANNY KLEIN
Ponte Vedra's Nick Freeman and the Sharks host Tallahassee Leon tonight in the second-round play-in game.

A glance at tonight's boys lacrosse second round state play-in game:

Tallahassee Leon (10-7) at Ponte Vedra (18-1), 7 p.m.

Road here: Ponte Vedra d. Oak Hall 16-3; Leon d. Episcopal 6-4

Winner gets: Winner of St. Andrews-St. Thomas Aquinas in state semifinals

Ponte Vedra players to watch: MF Mike Power, sr.; ATK Brendan Francis, jr.; G Conor Peaks, jr.

Glance: Ponte Vedra has a great chance to join Nease as the only county team to reach the state semifinals. The Panthers did so in 2008 and 2009, losing both times. If the Sharks can advance, they could end up facing St. Andrews, a team that has won all three state titles since lacrosse was officially sanctioned by the FHSAA. Ponte Vedra learned last year, however, that looking ahead is never a good idea. It appears the Sharks have learned that lesson after falling to Bolles in the district semifinals last season. Ponte Vedra won this year's district tournament in dominating fashion and dispatched Oak Hall without any real problems. Leon has not faced a very difficult schedule and lost to Oak Hall 12-11. They played one team ranked in the Top 5 -- a 16-3 loss to Winter Park. Ponte Vedra has been great on defense this season, allowing 10 goals just twice. The Sharks have allowed five or fewer goals 16 times.