We know, and love, Jerry Ragonese! Whether he’s designing custom uniforms for Pro Athletics, playing FoGo in the MLL or tweeting up storm, Jerry is always welcome and wonderful. So what better way to pay Jerry back for his friendship than by skewering him a little bit in a public forum?!

Ragonese was recently acquired by the MLL’s Charlotte Hounds, and he got his first run of the year for the expansion franchise on Saturday, against his former (former) team, the Rochester Rattlers (Jerry was on LI between Roch and Char). Jerry did well at the X and went 9-18 in his draws, even though the Hounds dropped the game 14-5.

We’re not making fun of Jerry for THAT… not one bit!

However, he is guilty of another distinction… and it’s far more dubious:

Clearly, the THUMBSPIRACY is back in full effect!

Is Jerry pinning the ball into his stick with his thumb? No. Is he gaining any real advantage? Also, no. However, it’s illegal, and fun to be petty when your friends play pro lacrosse.

We haven’t seen the Thumbspiracy in a while… but I’m glad to see it’s back. I was beginning to think people had forgotten all about it!

Hey zebras, keep an eye on this kid!

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Each week we’re looking for a superb lacrosse photo from one of our readers. If your photo is selected as Photo Of The Week, you win something awesome from LAS!  This week, we’re featuring a photo by Barry Spears that shows off a little men’s lacrosse action involving Ole Miss and LSU.  For more from Barry, check out our post on MCLAFan featuring Ole Miss, LSU, Texas and ASU, as well as some Louisiana HS action!

What makes the photo remarkable, other than the fact that it’s just a great photo, is the Thumbspiracy action going down.  Back in the day, players actually used to keep the ball in their sticks with their thumbs or fingers, so touching the plastic portion of your head with your hand became illegal.  The rule is still on the books, and rarely called.  Max Quinzani used to be the biggest offender, but he graduated, and a void entered the Thumbspiracy world.  Has this LSU player stepped up to fill that gap?

I still don’t think it offers any real advantage, but it’s illegal and nitpicky, and can really only be captured in a great photo, so I like to make a big deal out of it.  All for fun and fun for all.

(Editor’s note: Barry – you just won yourself a pair of GTG Laces! Email us your mailing address!)

Got a GREAT Lacrosse Photo? Hit us up!

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There were some interesting results on Wednesday so we’ve got a quick recap post to fill you in on how things went down.  Some of the best and closest action was of the Upstate NY variety and the Thumbspiracy rumbles on as I ramble on.

Cortland State remained undefeated in the SUNYAC by beating Geneseo 4-3, and no, they weren’t playing soccer.  The Genny goalie, Dennis Costanza, stood on his head for much of the game racking up a solid 16 saves.  The Cortland goalie had a much smaller task as he was only required to make 6 saves for the W.

Super tall Cortland defender, Justin Schniedman, basically won the game for the Red Dragons when it was 3-3 in the 4th quarter, as he created a turnover, brought the ball downfield himself and then assisted Junior attackman, Jay DiStefano, for the game winner.

Both Cortland and Geneseo are made up of a lot of younger players and while I don’t think either of these teams is going to win the NC in 2010 (that will go to whoever emerges from the South bracket come tourney time), I think they will both contend next year.  Cortland could easily make the finals but they are a beatable team this year.

Syracuse also won their game by only a goal and the finishing flurry was awesome.  Some people see these close games as a weakness for Cuse (like Quint K for one) and they think it’s only a matter of time before they lose again, this time when it counts.

I actually think the exact opposite:  Cuse knows how to win tight games and they don’t panic.  I’ll take 11 close wins over 11 blowouts any day because it means your team is battle tested and not coasting.

In other news stemming from this game, Cornell is now fully embroiled in the Thumbspiracy.  This one is borderline but there is just way too much glove on the plastic.  Don’t refs know this is illegal?

In sweet D3 lax action, St. John Fisher cemented their place in my top 20 as they knocked off RIT 12-9.  St. JF is undefeated but this is by far and away their biggest win of the season and gives their season some much needed validity.

Utah knocked off in state rival Utah State 15-9 and I’ll end with a most excellent photo of Utah taking on CSU that I found on le bookface.  ‘Til next time, keep it laxy.

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About the Author: Connor is a pretty average lacrosse player at this point who doesn’t know when to give up on the game.  He played and coached in the NESCAC and still plays for the Southampton LC in NYC.  Connor lives with his fiance in Brooklyn and thanks her for allowing him to keep the dream alive.

Contact him at connor@lacrosseallstars.com.

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