SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – JSerra’s boys lacrosse team has risen to the top of the county rankings this season, but it still has to prove it can crack the championship circle occupied by Foothill, Corona del Mar and St. Margaret’s.
The Lions had the opportunity to show they could take down one of those teams when it took on the second-ranked Knights on Thursday night at JSerra.
But Foothill’s championship pedigree was apparent early and late.
With JSerra attempting to tie the game, Nate Marano scored a goal with 43 seconds remaining to seal a 13-12 victory for the Knights in the nonleague match.
“It always helps,” Knights coach Jon Fox said about having big-game experience. “But at the same time, these are a whole new crew of kids. Most of these kids weren’t playing last year, so it was a great experience for them to be a part of. It’s just a fun game.”
The Lions (12-1) staged a furious rally in the fourth to get within one score. JSerra was down by five goals with 3:15 left in the third, but goals from Mitch Kingsley, Tucker Guyot, Logan Olmsted and Gage Manning put pressure on Foothill.
Marano responded with the dagger, which essentially sealed the game. Manning added another goal with a second left to make it a one-score game.
The Knights (10-1) built up that big lead thanks to some solid faceoff work from Austin Babb and a big scoring day from Kevin Kodzis.
Kodzis was moved from midfield to attack for the match by Fox, and the move paid dividends. Kodzis led all players with four goals.
“The stick was thrown well, team was playing well together and the ball movement really helped (secure) the victory,” Kodzis said. “I’ve been playing midfield, maybe not producing as many goals, just assisting. And tonight, I just came through. Overall, a great win.”
These two teams have proven themselves against competition from up and down the West Coast, and it wouldn’t be shocking if they met again down the road in the playoffs.
“Yeah, we’re definitely going to be seeing them (JSerra) in the championships or the playoffs, depending on how the seeding goes,” Fox said. “They’re a great team.”
Marano scored three goals for Foothill. Jake Schleppy, Guyot, Manning and Kingsley each scored two goals for JSerra.
Contact the writer: amorales@ocregister.com
