Villa Park Finally Defeats Foothill in Boys’ Water Polo

After six years in the shadow of Foothill, Villa Park finally broke free to win the Century League boys’ water polo title as the Spartans edged the Knights, 10-9, in overtime Friday at Foothill.

“I’m a senior, and we’ve never beaten them as long as I’ve been on this team. Until now,” said Villa Park’s Nick Pacelli, who scored two goals. “I feel so good.”

The last time Villa Park won a game against Foothill was in 1993.

“We finally did it,” said Spartan Coach Jeff Ehrlich, who was dripping wet after being thrown into the pool. “We beat Foothill.”

Friday’s game between the Century League rivals was expected to be tough, but no one figured a rookie would score the winning goal. Junior Mike Casagrande, a standout soccer player who had never played water polo before this season, scored two of the Spartans’ overtime goals, including the winner with 1 minute 17 seconds left.

Foothill’s Eitan Goldstein and Brett Reynolds scored early in the first quarter, but Villa Park (16-10, 5-0) came back with goals by Chris Greene and Wes Warner. Greene led Villa Park with four goals and Matt Doerr had 12 saves.