Boys lax: Foothill Picks Up Key Win against San Ramon Valley

Foothill High boys lacrosse coach Bob McManus has seen some very good performances from the Falcons over the years, but nothing quite like what he saw Tuesday night.

In a must-win game to stay in contention for the East Bay Athletic League title, the Falcons dominated San Ramon Valley for a 19-11 victory.

"This is the best game of the season and the best we've ever played (since I've been the coach)," McManus said. "It was an outstanding team effort."

Foothill, San Ramon Valley, De La Salle and Monte Vista came into the day locked in a four-way tie for first place. Coupled with the Spartans' 11-7 win against Monte Vista, Foothill can lock up the EBAL's automatic bid to the North Coast Section playoffs and a share of the league title with a win at rival Amador Valley on Friday.

"It's going to be a barnburner," McManus said. "Of course it's always a big game, but this one should be even more fun."

A win on Friday would also likely earn the Falcons the top-seed in the NCS playoffs and home field advantage throughout the postseason.

San Ramon Valley (14-4, 9-4 EBAL), which came into Tuesday's game ranked No. 3 in the state by laxpower.com, got on the board just nine seconds into the game and scored the game's first three goals.

The lead didn't last long.

After San Ramon made it 4-2 with five minutes, 35 seconds left in the first quarter, Foothill scored six-straight goals — by six different players — to take control of the game.

The Falcons (14-4, 10-3) took an 11-9 lead into the half before completing busting the game open in the second half.

"Scott Wheaton had an outstanding game," McManus said. "Scoring goals, with assists, he did it all."

Wheaton scored three of his team-high four goals in the second half and finished with three assists.

Colin Kacinski also scored four goals, while Christian Dutcher (3 goals), Seth Benson (3), Gabe Garcia (2) and Mikey Lambrecht (2) also recorded multi-goal games.

Goalie Ben Krebs made 12 saves for Foothill, which was ranked No. 4 in the state by laxpower.com coming into the game.

EBAL Title Scenarios

• If Foothill beats Amador on Friday, it clinches the EBAL automatic berth and at least a share of the league title. A win and a DLS loss means the Falcons are outright league champions.
• If DLS beats Cal, it clinches a share of the league title. A win and a Foothill loss would give DLS outright title and automatic bid for NCS.
• If DLS and Foothill both lose, they would be tied with Amador Valley and the winner of the Monte Vista-San Ramon Valley at 10-4.

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Foothill 19, San Ramon Valley 11

San Ramon Valley (14-4, 8-4) 4 5 0 2 — 11
Foothill (14-4, 9-3) 5 6 5 3 — 19

Scoring: San Ramon Valley — Rudow 4, Miller 2, Worstell, Michael, Weiss, Kline. Foothill — Kacinski 4, Wheaton 4, Benson 3, Dutcher 3, Lambrecht 2, Garcia 2, Schall.

Saves: Krebs (F)12, Bowlby (SRV) 6