Eagles eyeing playoffs

Steve Virgen

What’s good for the NFL has, apparently, also rejuvenated Estancia

High boys water polo coach John Carpenter, who has translated that

energy to his players.

After one year of experience in the Golden West League, Carpenter

is well aware of the circuit’s parity, which, much like the NFL, has

brought excitement to the players and their supporters.

“I love the Golden West League,” Carpenter said. “It’s very

competitive and, going into every single game, we have a realistic

shot to win. We finished fourth last year. Now, our goal is to crack

the top three and qualify for CIF and I think that is realistic.”

Carpenter enters his 24th season with the Eagles and he said he

has new life because of the league’s parity. Before entering the

Golden West League, Estancia played in the Pacific Coast League,

which included powerhouse Corona del Mar and formidable squads

University and Laguna Beach. Carpenter said it was frustrating

playing against those teams.

“I got a sense of rejuvenation when we moved to the Golden West

League,” Carpenter said. “The kids feel that same motivation. We want

to go to CIF and, now, we can have a shot at winning league. That’s

very encouraging to me and the team.”

Some of the motivated players include senior Paul Collier and

junior Sean Goodman, who are expected to be the main scorers for the

Eagles this season. Senior Anthony Hermann, juniors Richard McElveny

and Matt Metkovich, as well as sophomore Chad Kunert will be among

the team’s drivers. They will direct the offense, at times, and will

be counted upon for defensive purposes.

Senior Nathan Marsteler returns as the Eagles’ goalie.

“I have big shoes to fill, because we lost Jess Hellmich and Frank

Gamboa [to graduation],” Carpenter said. “Paul, Anthony and Nathan

have to grab the reins and go. Nathan has done well as goalie. If

they can step up and fill those shoes, we can do real well this

year.”

Carpenter said he is looking forward to when the Eagles face

crosstown rival Costa Mesa at the Mustangs’ pool, Oct. 21. Estancia

has defeated Mesa the past three years, but this is Coach Bob Shupp’s

final year with the Mustangs.

“That’s going to be a very big game for both schools,” Carpenter

said. “For us to beat them the last three years, I don’t think that

has ever happened.”