News Summary
In a decisive CIF-SS Division 1 quarterfinal match, Foothill’s boys lacrosse team triumphed over JSerra with an 11-4 victory. The Knights, with a remarkable scoring run and strong defense, improved their season record to 15-7 and advanced to the semifinals. Key contributions came from players like Ben Wehage and Connor Wolfe, each scoring multiple goals. As they prepare to face Loyola in the semifinals, Foothill aims to continue their championship pursuit after last year’s success.
Mission Viejo – Foothill’s boys lacrosse team secured an impressive victory over JSerra, winning 11-4 in the CIF-SS Division 1 quarterfinals held at JSerra High on Tuesday. This triumph marks an important milestone for the Knights, pushing their season record to 15-7 as they advance in the playoffs.
The game featured a dominant performance from Foothill, which went on a remarkable 7-0 scoring run that spanned over 27 minutes. The extended scoring drought for JSerra came to an end in the game’s closing moments, highlighting the effectiveness of Foothill’s defense and ball control.
Throughout the contest, Foothill showcased impressive possession skills, particularly in the third quarter, where they held the ball for nearly 10 of the 12 minutes. This strategic approach allowed them to dictate the pace of the game and make it challenging for JSerra to focus their defense on specific attackmen.
Four players for Foothill stood out offensively, each contributing multiple goals during the match. Ben Wehage, Connor Wolfe, Tavin Russell, and Landen Rosenthal each played a critical role in the Knights’ scoring. Both Wehage and Wolfe finished the game with two goals as well as an assist, contributing significantly to their team’s success. Long-stick players Jack Mills and Max Cavazos also utilized their offensive opportunities effectively, netting goals from their defensive positions.
On the other side, JSerra began the game with a strong start, scoring two goals within the first seven minutes, thanks to players Mason Stephens and Gavin Goodrich. Goodrich ended the match with two goals, while Gabe Seldow contributed with one goal. JSerra’s goalie, Jack Pearl, performed admirably, making nine saves throughout the game to keep his team in contention.
Foothill now turns its attention to the semifinals, where they will face Loyola. This matchup poses an opportunity for the Knights to avenge their prior encounter with Loyola, as they previously faced off in the semifinals last season, where Foothill emerged victorious and ultimately claimed the championship title in 2023. The anticipation builds as this marks the second consecutive year that these two teams meet in playoff action, highlighting a developing rivalry. Additionally, Foothill has consistently reached the semifinals since the CIF playoff formats changed in 2021.
The competition in the CIF-SS Division 1 is heating up, as evidenced by other quarterfinal games where Mater Dei claimed a 13-7 victory against Westlake, and Loyola achieved a commanding 15-5 win over Corona del Mar. As Foothill prepares for its semifinals bout against Loyola, the team’s performance in the quarterfinals serves as a strong indicator of their potential for continued success in the playoffs.
With their season on the line, the Knights are poised to build on their momentum and strive to replicate last year’s championship run while taking on the challenges ahead.
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HERE Resources
Orange County High School Sports Highlights – April 12
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Foothill Boys Lacrosse Dominates JSerra
- Wikipedia: Lacrosse
- USA Today HSS: How to Watch Foothill vs JSerra
- Google Search: Foothill High School Lacrosse
- Signal SCV: Saugus Boys Lacrosse Claims Foothill League Title
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lacrosse
- OC Register: Foothill Boys Lacrosse Dominates Playoffs
- Google News: Foothill Lacrosse
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
