In a match packed with playoff drama, the Redwood High School boys water polo team rolled to a 13-8 win over longtime rival Archie Williams High School. The victory keeps Redwood at the top of the MCAL standings.
The Giants played in front of a noisy home crowd at their pool in Larkspur. They came out swinging, answering an early Falcons goal with a wave of offense and some seriously tough defense.
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Archie Williams, from San Anselmo, entered the match with their playoff dreams alive. But things took a turn when star player Nolan Anderson left early, possibly with a broken nose.
The Falcons tried to rally, but Redwood’s balanced scoring and physical style proved too much. It’s tough to keep up when you’re missing your top player.
Jackson Monty anchored Redwood’s offense, banging in four goals from close range. Isaac Nikfar set the tone right away, netting two goals in the first period to put the Giants in front.
Jakob Engberg chipped in three goals and played lockdown defense, making life miserable for Archie Williams’ shooters. In the closing minutes, Maddox McClellan and Oliver Rogers added late goals that put the game out of reach.
Redwood (11-5 overall, 6-0 MCAL) stays ahead of Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, who are 6-1 in league play. Archie Williams drops to 3-2 and is hanging on to playoff hopes with just a couple of regular-season games left before the Oct. 24 MCAL playoffs.
Last season, the Giants lost a heartbreaker in the MCAL finals to Archie Williams. This year, they’re out for more than just a return trip—they want the title.
Head coach Rudy Kardos called this matchup a “must-win,” showing just how much this top seed means heading into the playoffs. You could feel the urgency in how they played.
Water polo has always been a big deal in Marin County high school sports. Teams from Novato to San Rafael turn out tough squads and talented players every year.
Redwood’s win isn’t just another number in the standings. It’s a sign of the program’s strength and keeps those local rivalries as heated as ever.
Redwood still has some tests before the MCAL playoffs, including a big one against Tamalpais. Tam will be hungry for payback after an earlier loss.
Depending on how that game goes, Redwood could pull off an undefeated league season. That hasn’t happened in years in the MCAL, so there’s a lot at stake.
Highlights at a Glance
Couldn’t make it to Larkspur? Here’s what you missed:
- Jackson Monty: 4 goals from inside
- Isaac Nikfar: 2 goals in opening period
- Jakob Engberg: 3 goals, standout defense
- Maddox McClellan & Oliver Rogers: late insurance scores
- Beckett Kaye (Archie Williams): 3 goals
- Nate Greenberg (Archie Williams): 2 goals
Final Thoughts
The MCAL season’s almost over, and everyone in Marin County seems to have an opinion. Whether you’re in a Corte Madera coffee shop or hanging out at a Fairfax community center, the question keeps coming up: Can Redwood finish strong and get revenge for last year’s title loss?
The Giants have a mix of experienced players and a defense that doesn’t quit. Coach Kardos leads with a style that’s hard to ignore, and honestly, they might just shake things up outside of Larkspur once the postseason gets going.
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Here is the source article for this story: Boys water polo: Redwood powers up to strengthen hold on MCAL lead
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