CdM knocks off kingpin

NEWPORT BEACH — After Foothill High couldn’t stop Ryan Mix in overtime, the Corona del Mar senior could hardly contain himself.

For the second straight year, Mix scored the game-winner against the Sea Kings’ nemesis in boys’ lacrosse.

This time after scoring on an assist from Kyle Canale, Mix threw off his helmet, shouted into the Newport Beach sky and celebrated wildly with his teammates. His sudden-death goal 28 seconds into overtime gave CdM a 7-6 nonleague win over Foothill at Peninsula Park Saturday. That was the same score as last year.

This was only the second game for the Sea Kings (2-0), but they celebrated as if it were for a championship. Who could blame them? The last time these teams played, Foothill rallied for a 10-8 victory to capture the U.S. Lacrosse Southern Section Orange County title.

A year ago, during the regular season, Mix scored in overtime, as CdM beat the Knights for the first time in 10 matchups.

This one proved to be a bit of payback.

“Unbelievable feeling,” Mix said of scoring the game-winner. “Every single time we meet it’s back and forth. It’s a great rivalry and we’ve been lucky to get them both times in the regular season. It just felt great to put that last one behind them.”

Even Foothill Coach Jon Fox could understand that the Sea Kings’ win was huge.

“It’s a great win by them; I would be celebrating too,” said Fox, who has guided the Knights to three straight Southern California titles. “Any time you can beat Foothill [it’s great]. Who knows when the next time it will be for them. They did an incredible job.”

CdM senior goalie Hugh Russell stood out for sure. He recorded 18 saves and stepped up in only his second varsity start.

Last year, he was a back-up to Andrew Noto, who graduated and is now at UC Santa Barbara. Russell said he was nervous before the game, but once it started he was ready to stop shots.

He too was overwhelmed with excitement when he saw Mix score.

“When that ball went in it was ridiculous,” Russell said.

Russell’s defense helped the Sea Kings deliver the Knights’ first loss of the season, as they fell to 4-1.