The Foothill’s boys lacrosse team hopes to keep its reign atop the county and the Southern Section this year.
The Knights have won five consecutive county titles and five straight U.S. Lacrosse Division 1 Southern Section crowns. Foothill is the preseason No. 1 pick in the county again this year.
Coach Jon Fox said his team remains focused on trying to bring home more titles.
“That’s our goal, we’re working hard to keep the tradition alive,” said Fox, who led Foothill to an 18-4 overall record last year. “We don’t have any super stars this year but I think we’re a solid team and we should have a good season. I expect to be there at the end.”
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Foothill does have some talented players returning, including senior defensemen Alex Keuilian and Will Ross, senior goalie Teddy Ochiai and senior midfielder Sam Marano.
Other top players include senior attack Brad Bochesa, who had the game winning goal vs. Long Beach New York last year, senior defender Nick Reem, senior attack Cole Haigh, junior midfielder Troy Brown and junior attack Cameron Stone. Sophomore attack-midifelder Warren Case and freshman midfielder Austin Babb are other key players.
Foothill loses a number of talented offensive players from last year so will take a different approach this season.
“This year, we’re going to have to rely on our defense. We’re certain there are going to be a lot of close games and we’re looking forward to making a name for these unknowns,” Fox said.
“We’ve definitely got the target on our back. We want to represent, at least the boys do.”
Foothill will once again compete as an independent since the Century League doesn’t sponsor lacrosse yet.
“That works well for us,” Fox said. “We’re going to have the toughest schedule that any Foothill team has ever played.”
Fox knows that teams will be out to dethrone the Knights.
“The level of play is constantly improving in Orange County, teams and coaches are getting better and better,” Fox said. “The players are better and they’re motivated to get to college, so they’re putting in more effort and you’re seeing really good lacrosse in Orange County.”
Foothill defeated Mira Costa, 19-5, to win the Southern Section crown last year. The Knights also defeated St. Margaret’s, 15-10, in the Division 1 South finals for Orange County.