Dos Pueblos’ boys water polo team got exactly what it wanted on Friday, a huge 9-8 upset win at No. 4 Newport Harbor in CIF’s Division I quarterfinals.
Kevin Cappon came through with the game-winning goal for Dos Pueblos, but the Chargers defense still had over two minutes of playing time to preserve the victory. Dos Pueblos killed two penalties after Cappon gave them a 9-8 lead, and goalkeeper Brady Moore blocked a final attempt in the closing seconds by Newport Harbor’s Farrel South.
Derek Shoemaker and Chase Racich scored three times each for Dos Pueblos and were the main instigators in a hot start that put the Chargers up 5-1 after the first period.
“Derek and Chase basically owned this game,” said Chargers head coach Chris Parrish, calling the win the biggest his program has seen since it moved up from Division IV.
But Newport starting closing the gap and made it 6-4 by halftime. Parrish said Dos Pueblos’ early momentum had all but evaporated by the end of the third quarter.
It was the third year that the Chargers, seeded fifth, were forced to travel for their quarterfinal match but the first time they are returning with a victory.
Dos Pueblos (25-4) also got goals from Jared Rassler and Christian Terpening.
The Chargers expect to play No. 1 Mater Dei in Wednesday’s semifinal, to be played at 7 p.m. in Irvine.
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Congratulations to the DP Boys! This is the first time in 32 years (1978) that the water polo team advanced past the quarter final game in Division I CIF. Beating perennial power Newport Beach at home is huge. DP has 4-5 players with Div-I college potential and loads of club experience. Good luck in the semi’s on Wednesday. Go Chargers!