Foothill celebrates with the CIF championship plaque after Saturday’s 13-12 win over San Clemente. (Photos: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)
Foothill’s boys water polo team made it pretty dramatic, but the Knights brought home their third CIF title in a row Saturday, defeating San Clemente 13-12 in a thrilling Division 2 championship match at the William Woollett Aquatics Center.
To see the slide show, please click on the first photo
Foothill’s Noah Rowe scored on a short range shot with four seconds remaining to lift the Knights to the title. It was the fourth goal of the match for Rowe, a sophomore.
“I just knew we needed a score,” Rowe said. “And I was luckily the person to do it. I got got up and shot as hard as I could. I didn’t even see the shot go in, I just saw the crowd get up and go crazy and I was just stoked that we won. It’s amazing.”
San Clemente had tied the match on a goal by Christian Hosea with 17 seconds left. Foothill called timeout and set up the game winner.
“It was a beautiful shot,” Foothill Coach Jim Brumm said of the winning goal. “He just stepped up on his legs and hit the upper corner. He had a big game today. It was by far our best offensive game of the season. We’re happy for the boys, they really played well and they battled and they’re resilient.
“We’ve been playing pretty good ball for a while. I’m just proud of those guys.”
Jackson Matos again led the way, scoring five goals to lead Foothill (23-8).
“It means a whole lot, I think this is building up to more potential throughout the rest of my high school career,” Matos said. “I’m glad that we could end for the seniors here with another win.”
Foothill led 6-5 at halftime but San Clemente moved ahead 8-7 on a penalty shot by Christian Hosea in the third quarter. But Rowe countered with two goals to put the Knights back in front.
“I think we just got fired up and we got going again and we put some nice shots away,” Matos said.
Avery Stovner added three goals and Jakob Tallman had one for the Knights.
“It was all about my mentality before the game,” said Stovner, a sophomore. “I felt great getting up in the morning and getting ready with my brothers to battle. In the end, it paid off. I had three goals and we got the W, three in a row, two in a row for me. It was super fun, I love the crowd, the crowd just fires me up and gets me hyped when I score. I just love winning games with my brothers.”
San Clemente (23-8) was led by Hosea (six goals) and Everett Prussak (three goals).
Foothill goalkeeper Liam Harrison had seven saves. Matos had four steals, Rowe had two steals and Tallman had two blocks.
It made for an exciting match from start to finish and another happy ending for Coach Brumm, who joined his assistants and players with a jump into the Woollett pool to celebrate Foothill’s seventh CIF title. The Knights defeated Mira Costa 6-4 last year to take the top prize.
“They’re all different and they’re all great,” the humble coach said. “I’m not comparing them to anything. They’re all different. We’ve been fortunate and I feel a little pressure but the kids were great and it feels awesome. I’m just happy for the kids. When I was in the water, I kind of realized it was all them. I just try and get them here and let them play and they did an incredible job. All the guys stepped up.”
“Avery Stovner had a couple goals, I think Whittaker Worland had five assists and Kaito (Ham) had four assists. It’s been a team game for us all the way during the playoffs. Whittaker has been playing unbelievable. He’s provided leadership for us. I’m just really happy and proud of the kids.”
RELATED: Foothill coach credits players for CIF title
-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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