By James Joseph
WSL Senior Features Writer

Arapahoe head coach Guy Cerasoli compares senior attackman Eric Law to “a master chess player.”

“He has an unbelievable field sense,” Cerasoli said. “He can tell how a play is developing from the other side of the field and can tell where he needs to be and where his teammates need to be.”

Law used that field sense and technical skill to help direct Arapahoe to its first state title in 2009. WSL’s Colorado Boys Player of the Year led his team in seven categories, including goals (61) and assists (29). He also scored six game-winning goals, as the Warriors won their final 15 contests.

“It was definitely a picture-perfect season,” said Law, a four-time all-state selection who is bound for NCAA Division III powerhouse Salisbury University. “Everything that could go right did.”

Law began playing lacrosse in a rec league in first grade. But much of his learning and development took place in his backyard with his older brothers – Jarred, who went on to play at Ohio Wesleyan University, and Kevin, who plays at Chico State – even though Eric often was thrown into service as a goalie.

“I grew up watching the game so much, so I’m able to see the field and read what’s going on,” Law said. “I’ve been playing for so long, I know different little tricks and stuff like that.”

That was apparent often this season. For example, the time Cherry Creek put its top defender on Law to shut him off and keep the ball away from him.

“Even when he was not part of the regular play, he’d take his man to parts of the field where he could use the guy as a double pick to free another player,” Cerasoli said.

In addition, Law would go to the opposite side of the field from where a play was developing, which would allow him to make a break to free himself up and get a shot.

“He’s really a scholar of the game,” Cerasoli said. “He really understands its dynamics. Not only is he technically sound, but tactically he’s unsurpassed with his team knowledge and the way to play. He knows all those things that you just can’t coach.”