Double Trouble for the Mariguanas
The Spring SARHL season rolls into Week 2, and it’s the Mariguanas’ turn to test their legs and lungs in a doubleheader. After a tight one-goal loss to the Dolphins in Week 1, Jaiden’s squad will be hungry to get in the win column, but with back-to-back games against two well-matched teams, they’re going to need more than just Collin Iacarella dragging the offense uphill.
Let’s take a look at what’s in store.
Game 1 – Mariguanas vs. Remember the Armadillos
The Armadillos looked surprisingly competent in their Week 1 win over the Dolphins, and if they’re bringing that same energy into this game, the Mariguanas better be ready. Penn and Micah both found the back of the net, but it was Matt Gilbert’s playmaking that really stole the show. If Gilbert is in facilitator mode again, and team captain Andrew Minerd isn’t stuck in the net, this team can roll.
For the Mariguanas, they’ll once again lean heavily on Collin Iacarella, who opened the season with a hat trick while the rest of the roster kind of stood around watching him do it. Reuben Lima looked solid in his return, and Ray Ortega and Ashton Baggett will need to step up and do more than just hit the net if they want to match the Armadillos’ balanced attack.
Key to Watch:
- Can the Mariguanas generate consistent offense beyond Collin?
- Will Jaiden not try to bribe another goalie before the puck drops?
- Does Minerd stay out of the crease, or is he one emergency call-up from becoming the next “full-time” goalie?
Prediction: If the Armadillos bring the same effort as last week, they have the depth to edge out a tired Mariguanas squad. But if Collin gets going early, it could be another nail-biter.
Game 2 – Mariguanas vs. Disoriented Dolphins
In a rematch from last week, the Mariguanas will get a quick shot at revenge after dropping a 5-4 heartbreaker to the Dolphins in Week 1. Last time, it was Junior’s hat trick and a late goal by a sub that made the difference. If Penn suits up for the Dolphins again, Jaiden might actually try to fight him mid-game. I mean, why not?
The Dolphins looked solid in their debut, even in a loss to the Armadillos. With Junior, Shanahan, and Ryan Lewis providing steady offense, this team is still figuring out its identity—but the pieces are there.
The Mariguanas, meanwhile, will be dealing with the back-end of a doubleheader in rising spring temps. Legs will be tired, egos will be frayed, and if Jaiden tries another lineup shake-up mid-game, there could be mutiny. At least, we hope so. It’ll be fun to watch if nothing else.
Key to Watch:
- Does Junior keep firing, or revert to pass-ive Jr again? See what we did there?
- Can Jaiden keep his squad focused, or will fatigue and frustration take over?
- Does the rematch spark fireworks, or just sloppy line changes?
Prediction: It’s hard to win the second half of a doubleheader, especially against a team that already beat you once. The Dolphins have the edge—unless the Mariguanas can find secondary scoring.
Final Thoughts:
- The Mariguanas are the wildcard this week—could go 2-0 or 0-2 depending on which version of the team shows up.
- The Armadillos are playing with house money after a strong start—don’t be shocked if they quietly go undefeated through two weeks.
- The Dolphins are still shaking off the rust, but if Junior stays aggressive, they’ll be a tough out every week.
Let’s see who rises, who melts, and which goalie shows up on time – if at all. Spring’s heating up, and so is the season.