Boys lacrosse in western Pennsylvania has officially entered a new era.

The 2009 season marks the first campaign the sport will be played in the WPIAL.

Up until this year, boys teams played in the Western Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association.

Ed Swierczyk, Jr. and Pete Hoffman, coaches at Butler and Seneca Valley, respectively, see this as a great opportunity for the sport.

"Boys lacrosse is now in the WPIAL and that means it's a school-sanctioned sport and not just a club sport," said Swierczyk. "We will get funding from the school as opposed to the players paying. I think that's going to help a lot of programs grow."

Twenty eight teams will compete in the WPIAL this season. Elite and/or long-time programs will be divided into two sections in Division I, with the rest of the field playing in one of two sections in Division II.

A WPIAL champion will be crowned in both divisions.

"As with any change, there's going to be some growing pains with things like scheduling," Hoffman said. "But joining the WPIAL gives the sport a lot of legitimacy. I think there will be a lot of schools start programs now."

Not lost with either coach is the fact that there are games to be played and both believe this season could be one to remember.

The Raiders won the WPSLA's Division I North and advanced to the title game a season ago.The bad news for SV's opponents is that the team returns approximately 90 goals from three returning attackers — seniors Colin O'Donoghue, Jason Handerhan and junior Jake McAndrew.O'Donoghue had about 50 of those himself and was an all-WPSLA selection for his efforts.Not to be outdone, the Raiders' midfield will be another strength.Three seniors — Brent Rotz, Tyler Bond and Tom Communale — will lead a talented group."We have three lines of midfielders," said Hoffman. "And they are as good as any team has."Three returning defenders who saw significant playing time last season are seniors Austin Brockway and Vince Ulizio and junior Joe Chowansky.At goalkeeper, senior Andy Branscum and junior Brian Bohn are battling for the top spot."We're lucky to have two extremely good goalies," said Hoffman. "They will both see a lot of time early in the season."SV's Division I, Section 2 foes include Central Catholic, Fox Chapel, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland, Shady Side Academy and Sewickley Academy.Academy.

Swierczyk is hoping the Golden Tornado can build off a 2008 season that saw the team reach the second round of the WPSLA Division II playoffs.Four juniors, including attackers Tyler Kotch, Cody Conklin and midfielders Cole Harvey and Jared Oesterling, will lead Butler's offense this year.Kotch was an all-section selection last year."He's a great ball-handler and also has a great shot," said Swierczyk. "Cody is the quarterback of the offense, Cole is a workhorse on both offense and defense, and Jared intimidates people with his size."Junior Nick Elliott, another all-section recipient in 2008, returns to anchor the defense.Junior Alex Hill will be in net for the Tornado."He played very well as a sophomore," said Swierczyk of Hill. "And he's a vocal kid."Playing with Butler in Division II, Section II will be Cathedral Prep, McDowell, Hampton, North Hills, Shaler and Vincentian."It's a pretty tough section, but we have the ability to compete," said Swierczyk. "It's just a matter of putting the pieces together."