Six of the eight boys' lacrosse teams covered by Jersey Sports Now will participate in this year's state tournament.  It's a new experience for a couple of the squads, while for others this is old hat.  And for one local team in particular, the season will be something of a disappointment if it isn't playing in the season's final game.

Here are the scenarios for each of the local teams:

Public Group I:

As usual, Mountain Lakes is the top seed in this section for the state's smallest lacrosse-playing public schools.  Favored by some pre-season prognosticators to win the Tournament of Champions, the Lakers have not had an easy time of it, losing four games and winning three others in overtime.

If the Lakers are in fact to repeat as ToC champs, it will take a big effort on their part.  The first two rounds should present no problem, but things get difficult with a potential semifinal match with Kinnelon, which handed Mountain Lakes one of its losses.  Chatham or West Essex would be the likely opponent in the group finals, if the Lakers get there.

Kinnelon drew the #4 seed, which gives them two home games.  The first contest shouldn't be too tough, but a quarterfinal matchup with fifth seed Glen Ridge could be a real donnybrook.  And if the Colts do advance, they would then face that third game of the season against Mountain Lakes.

Also in this grouping, the Panthers of Pequannock, who made it to the dance in only their second season as a varsity program.  Qualifying for the states is a real accomplishment for Pequannock;  advancing past the first round would take a big upset as the 22nd-seeded Panthers will travel to face 11th seed Madison, a solid team, in the first round.

Public Group II:

Two local teams will compete in this group, but both are probably disappointed in their seeding.  Montville drew the #8 position, which does mean a home game but also puts them in the path of top seed Summit in the second round.  The Mustangs will have to knock off ninth seed Northern Burlington first in order to make that matchup occur.

Wayne Valley had a goal of a home playoff game this season, but some recent struggles knocked the Indians all the way down to the 12th seed.  The Indians will have to travel to face #5 seed Princeton in their opening game, which will be a tough proposition.

Non-Public Group B:

With double-digit wins for the first time ever, DePaul is enjoying a breakthrough season and will make its inaugural trip to the postseason.  But the Spartans won't just be happy to be there;  in fact, they're a dark horse contender to win this group, which doesn't have any of the state's top teams.

DePaul drew the fourth seed and will host #5 seed Pope John in its first game.  If the Spartans advance, they're almost certain to take on top seed Immaculata in the next round, where they will find out if they're ready for prime time.  -- Paul Mencher for Jersey Sports Now