SATURDAY’S CIF-SS DIVISION I FINAL

EL TORO (29-2) VS. FOOTHILL (23-7)

Site, time: William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center (adjacent to Irvine High), 8 p.m.

Prediction: The last time El Toro captured a CIF title was 2006. That season, the Chargers beat Sea View League rival Northwood for the Division I final after falling to the Timberwolves in league. The Chargers will follow a similar pattern this time around.

An overtime loss against the Knights in league will drive El Toro to finish the dominance it started this fall at the South Coast Tournament.

El Toro's play in the semifinals turns out to be a preview that the Chargers can play united on offense and defense when it matters. Foothill's senior leaders will show a ton of heart and force the Chargers to play fourth periods of high-level water polo.

El Toro emerges with a one-goal victory.

Division I first round

Esperanza (13-15) at El Toro (26-2), 3:15 p.m.

Prediction: The Aztecs impressed with a 16-8 victory against Laguna Hills in a wild-card match Tuesday night. Esperanza finished 10th in the county poll and over the years, has been known for its toughness. But top-ranked El Toro's shooters will be too much for the Aztecs, who will have a hard time keeping this one close. The Chargers will notch their 40th all-time Division I playoff victory, tying them with Downey for sixth on the all-time list.