SOUTHERN SECTION WATER POLO FINALS : DIVISION I : El Toro Stages Comeback for Sudden-Death Victory

John Simmons and El Toro water polo Coach Don Stoll didn’t look so good after the Southern Section Division I title match at Belmont Plaza Pool.

Simmons was turning blue and Stoll’s eyes were bloodshot, his voice was hoarse and his hair was everywhere.

That was because moments before, 30 seconds into sudden-death overtime, Simmons’ goal from six meters gave El Toro a 10-9 victory over North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake and its fourth section water polo title.

“After that goal I was drowning,” Simmons said. “Everyone jumped in on top of me and I couldn’t get any air.”

Stoll’s condition was his own fault; he jumped in the water with the winning goal.

“I’ll go in anytime for a win like that,” Stoll said.

It was Stoll’s 18th consecutive playoff victory over the last five seasons. El Toro did not qualify for the playoffs last season.

Harvard-Westlake (29-3) took a 9-7 lead with 3 minutes 40 seconds remaining and its defense looked good enough to make it stick.

However, Daniel Mathot slipped a shot under the armpit of Harvard-Westlake goalie Peter Kiefer to pull El Toro (31-2) within one with 2:59 remaining.

Then Brent Stoll did what every coach’s son should do: He tied the score with his third goal on a nifty shot from five meters to the opposite corner of the goal.

Harvard-Westlake set up for a final shot but El Toro blocked the passing lanes and neither team could control the ball long enough for a shot.

In overtime, El Toro had two good opportunities, but Harvard-Westlake’s defense held.

Then in sudden death, Jay Reaves won the sprint to give El Toro possession. Moments later, Harvard-Westlake’s Ryan Salceda was kicked out for going for the ball too aggressively and El Toro set up its winning offensive attack.