The Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference lacrosse playoffs begin today, with quarterfinal round play that should be plenty competitive. No. 6 Boys' Latin (10-7) will travel to No. 2 McDonogh (15-3), while defending champ and No. 5 St. Paul's (12-7) visits No. 4 St. Mary's (12-5). Both games are set for 4 p.m. Here's a breakdown of both games:

Boys Latin at McDonogh: The visiting Lakers have struggled with consistency all season, but have the talent to put together a strong playoff run. The team's starting point is All-Metro senior standout Wells Stanwick, who has the ability to control and take over a game if given the opportunity. McDonogh enjoyed a banner regular season -- particularly on their home field where it went 6-0 in league play. Connor Morgan leads a balanced attack, and Bryson Greene and Kyle DeVinney anchor a cohesive defense that can continually shut down opposing attacks. In the regular season, McDonogh came away with a thorough 10-7 win at Boys' Latin on April 26, jumping out to an early lead and showing poise in maintaining a comfortable advantage throughout. The winner will meet Red Division champ and No. 3 Gilman (11-5) in Tuesday's semifinal round.

St. Paul's at St. Mary's: Can the experience gained from last year's championship run carry St. Paul's to another title? The Crusaders are banking on it. Jay Carlson, Taylor Michel and Spencer Parks lead an explosive attack for the defending champs and senior goalie Gunnar Waldt brings confidence in back. St. Mary's has plenty of talent to counter. The Saints are led by Logan Connolly with Nate Lewnes, Michael Bonacci and John Kluh also capable of creating offense. The Crusaders ended the regular season on a two-game skid with setbacks against Loyola and Boys' Latin. Earlier in the season, they dropped consecutive games to Calvert Hall and McDonogh and, in dire need of a win, visited then undefeated St. Mary's and pulled out a 7-6 win on April 5. The winner takes on top-ranked Black Division leader and No. 1 Calvert Hall on Tuesday.