What to watch: March 23-March 28
A glance at key matchup for the first full week of the spring sports season in the YAIAA:
MONDAY
Red Lion at Dallastown, boys' lacrosse: Nothing like a neighboring rivalry to get the season started. The Lions look poised to bounce back to form of a few seasons ago. No better gauge than the defending league champions.
Dallastown at Manheim Township, boys' tennis: The Wildcats and defending YAIAA singles champion John Schmitt get to test themselves against the defending District 3 team champion Blue Streaks.
Kennard-Dale at Dallastown, softball: A makeup game from March 20. (Please ignore the Dallastown theme that seems to be going on this day.)
TUESDAY
Spring Grove at Northeastern, baseball: The defending league champion Rockets visit a talented Bobcats squad. Both teams have new coaches, too.
New Oxford at South Western, girls' lacrosse: One of two interesting girls' lax matches this day, former Mustangs standout Braxtin Reddinger visits her former club.
Susquehannock at York Catholic, girls' lacrosse: Two of the marquee Division II teams from last year, one will get an early leg up in the now one-division race.
WEDNESDAY
Spartan Out of the Blocks Invitational at York County Tech, track and field: A make-up event from March 20.
THURSDAY
Dallastown at Central York, boys' lacrosse: A rematch of last year's league title match.
York Suburban at Eastern York, boys' lacrosse: A natural rivalry, this could be one of the best as the Golden Knights keep improving.
Dallastown at Central York, track and field: An early test for both clubs, it's usually a good one.
York Suburban at Central York, boys' volleyball: The Panthers placed second at North Allegheny's season-opening invite. This will be a good test for Jamie Evans' Trojans, who graduated some strong talent from last season.
Susquehannock at Dallastown, softball: Another league title rematch on this day. The Wildcats beat the Warriors last year at New Oxford.
FRIDAY
Kennard-Dale at Kennett, girls' lacrosse: This one always seems to be a tough, out-of-area test for Kelly Wetzel's Rams.
Lancaster Catholic at York Catholic, boys' tennis: These teams finished fourth and fifth last year in the District 3 Class AA power rankings.
SATURDAY
Bobcat Invitational at Northeastern, boys volleyball: The first of two big volleyball events in York County -- the Koller Classic next month at Central York is the other -- this one also brings in a host of big programs. Last year, Central beat Hempfield in the title game. Northeastern and Ambridge, last year's PIAA Class AA finalists, also were in last season's Final Four of the Bobcat.
Herb Schmidt Relays at York Suburban, track and field: Fewer teams are turning out for this annual event, but don't be mistaken -- it's still one of the season's most enjoyable events.
Pennsylvania All-Star games at Harrisburg Christian, basketball: Yes, basketball is out of season. However, many local players will head to Harrisburg and play with some notable talent from around District 3 and beyond.