Take it from Rutgers goalie Greg Havalchak, Brian Crockett was a big reason why the Syracuse lacrosse team dominated the Scarlet Knights on Saturday.

‘We were prepared for anything,’ Havalchak said. ‘We had a plan if he played from midfield or attack.

‘I just didn’t have an answer for him.’

Crockett lit Havalchak up like a bonfire in a 17-6 Syracuse win at the Carrier Dome. Crockett scored five goals after shifting from attack to midfield, the position he played as a freshman.

The 17 goals are the most Havalchak has allowed all season. You could tell by the way he answered questions during the postgame press conference. The usual gregarious Havalchak was reticent in searching to explain the loss.

‘That’s never happened before,’ he said of SU’s offensive outburst. ‘I guess I have something to work on.’

SU head coach John Desko said Crockett’s move to midfield was an attempt to get him more involved in the offense. Crockett, who is second on the team in goals, has scored more than two in a game only once this season. The junior netted three against Virginia on March 5, SU’s second game of the season.

This, coming from the offensive dynamo who had 39 goals last year, was unexpected. Crockett was supposed to be the top offensive threat this season with the loss of Mike Powell. Against Rutgers he found open lanes to the net, beating Havalchak low for several goals.

The ease with which SU scored surprised Havalchak. Last year against SU, the Tewaaraton Trophy candidate had 21 saves in a 14-10 upset in Piscataway, N.J.

Havalchak, the winner of the last two ECAC Defensive Player of the Year awards, has never lost to SU.

But give Crockett some credit for his dominance over the Scarlet Knights on Saturday. It’s not like the goals were handed to him.

With 7:00 remaining in the third quarter, Crockett was knocked to the turf by an RU defender. He proceeded to sling the ball at the net anyway, scoring his fourth goal of the game and the first of his career from the seat of his pants.

Crockett said the move to midfield was in part responsible for his success.

‘It’s been a while since I played up top,’ he said. ‘I think it let me see more of the game. I had more of an angle to shoot at.’

Rutgers head coach Jim Stagnitta seemed to disagree, though. He said his team played Crockett no different at midfield than at attack, using a long-pole defender on him.

‘We were gonna pole him anyways,’ Stagnitta said. ‘I think (Crockett’s move to midfield) gave them a little more depth.’

Freshman attackman Mike Leveille, who assisted on one of Crockett’s goals, knew Crockett had a big game in him. It was the fourth game Crockett led the Orange in goals this season.

‘I thought it was easier to find him on offense,’ Leveille said. ‘Brian’s such a good player, he’ll beat a short stick all day.’

Published on April 16, 2005 at 12:00 pm