Defending Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference champ Spalding and last year's runner-up McDonogh -- ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively throughout the season - have slightly seperated themselves from the deep and talented league.

John Carroll would like to join the party. The No. 4 Patriots (7-1-2) have that chance in the next week. They first visit McDonogh on Friday and then play host to Spalding on Wednesday.

What's it going to take? "Divine intervention," John Carroll coach Gary Lynch joked. On a more serious note, Lynch added: "We'll need to bring our A game back-to-back. It's an exciting opportunity."

The Patriots have a mix of experienced players with talented newcomers who immediately blended playing a different style from year's past. They like to rattle opponents with pressure on the ball and -- when they have it -- stay poised in getting up the field with short passes. Veterans Colleen O'Connell (eight goals, five assists) and Mel Lookingland (five goals, seven assists) have been providing most of the scoring.

Lynch said he has a handle as to where his team is and knows what they are capable of. The key will be how well the young players respond to the pressures of the big games.