Hamlet Nalbandyan
PASADENA -- The plan was carried out in full affect, but it didn't
matter much for the Flintridge Prep boys' water polo team Thursday.
Rebel Coach Sam Vierra put an emphasis on getting off more shots
against Pasadena Poly goalkeeper David Carlson, especially with what
happened the last time the teams met on Oct. 19.
But all that did was add onto Carlson's impressive stat total.
Flintridge Prep took 31 shots in the Prep League match at Blair High and
Carlson stopped 13 of them to lead the host Panthers to a 14-10 victory.
Including in those 13 saves were two four-meter attempts by Flintridge
Prep's Nick Seaver. The stellar performance by Carlson, who also had a
goal and three steals, was a familiar sight for the Rebel faithful.
On Oct. 19 at Flintridge Prep, the 6-foot-5 senior posted 13 saves as
Pasadena Poly, ranked No. 6 in CIF Southern Section Division VI, won,
14-8.
"This was a do-or-die situation for us," Carlson said. "We had to win
this to have a shot at getting first in league, and everyone came out and
played with great intensity."
Thursday's victory by the Panthers (19-3, 5-1 in league) made the Prep
League picture much clearer. Pasadena Poly, Chadwick and Flintridge Prep
were all tied for first place, but now all Pasadena Poly needs is a
victory against the Dolphins -- to whom they lost to, 12-11, in
sudden-death overtime -- on Wednesday to clinch the league title.
With that said, Flintridge Prep (12-9, 5-2 in league) isn't totally
out of it, either. Today, the Rebels face Chadwick, and a victory against
the Dolphins -- something they accomplished on Oct. 9 with a 12-11 margin
-- and a Chadwick triumph against Pasadena Poly would make everything
real interesting again.
That scenario might be a long shot, but it is quite possible,
especially if the Rebels, ranked No. 10 in Division VI, play the way they
did Thursday.
Senior Christian Newth was one of six Rebels to score a goal, leading
the way with four.
Goalkeeper Brandon Williams also brought his 'A' game. The 5-8 senior
matched Carlson almost step for step, totalling 12 saves, many of them
being worthy of hightlight-reel material.
"My guys left their hearts in the pool," Vierra said. "They did
everything they could, but Poly is just too tough. We did what we wanted,
which was to put up a lot of shots, but it's hard to beat a team like
this.
"They can put the ball in goal from just about anywhere in the pool."
In the first quarter, that's what Pasadena Poly hole/set Whit
GIlfillan did. The senior scored four of his six goals in the first seven
minutes to help the Panthers take a 5-4 lead.
With the match tied at 6 going into the second half, Duncan Hedges
picked up the scoring slack, scoring all four of his goals in the second
half, three in the third quarter.
BOX SCORE
Flintridge Prep*4*2*2*2*--*10
Pasadena Poly*5*1*4*4*--*14
FLINTRIDGE PREP -- Newth 4 goals, Fuad 2, Au 1 and 3 steals, Seaver 1
and 3 steals, Braun 1, Naecker 1.
* Saves: Williams 12.
PASADENA POLY -- W. Gilfillan 6 goals, Hedges 4 and 4 steals, Milich
1, 4 assists and 4 steals, Varner 1, Lee 1, Carlson 1 and 3 steals.
* Saves: Carlson 13.
