CIF BOYS WATER POLO FINALS

Saturday
All matches at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center, Irvine

DIVISION VII

No. 2 VALENCIA (20-5) vs. No. 1 KATELLA (21-10), 9:30 a.m.

Outlook: The top-seeded and defending champion Knights are one victory away from achieving their goal of capturing a title for their late coach, Grafton Weiss.

The popular, veteran coach died in 2008, just a week after helping guide the Knights past Valencia, 7-1, in the first-ever CIF Division VII title match. If Katella repeats, it will have to do so without standout goalie Dylan Peterson. The junior suffered a season-ending knee injury late in the regular season and has not played in the postseason.

In last season’s Division VII final, Peterson made 17 saves.

Field player Donald Brown has replaced Peterson in goal.

Valencia’s defense – which has allowed 4 goals per game in the playoffs – is led by goalie Ryan Jackman. The teams split their two league matches for the second consecutive season. The Tigers first won at Katella, 5-3, while the Knights bounced back to win at Valenica, 12-4.

Prediction: With its array of left-handers, defensive capabilities and the championship coaching of Dave Mikesell, Katella is the class of the division. The Knights showed it in the second round of league against Valencia. Katella will repeat but without Peterson in the cage, the winning margin isn't as large this time.

After the match, Katella pays major respect to Weiss.

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