He talked about how his team reviewed footage of its previous game against JSerra. Many of his players, he said, didn't recognize themselves. They improved that much since the Feb. 27 matchup at Newport Harbor.
It showed at the start of the second go-around between the two schools.
The Lions (14-4) trailed the Sailors twice — two minutes into the game and midway through the first quarter. Then the Lions displayed their balanced attack the rest of the first half.
Five players recorded at least a goal and JSerra jumped out to a 7-2 lead at halftime. The Lions were on their way to advancing to Thursday's quarterfinal matchup at home against No. 5 Huntington Beach (14-3).
"I think we lost our energy," Todd said. "I was surprised. I thought we had a little bit more gas left in the tank."
Todd wanted to lead his team to the next round, for another shot at Huntington Beach, which plays in the Sunset League with Newport Harbor. Avenging their two setbacks to the Oilers isn't going to happen.
Newport Harbor's season came to a halt after it clawed into the postseason. The team needed to close out the regular season with three straight wins to qualify for the playoffs for the third straight year under Todd.
When the Sailors pulled it off, Todd said they felt confident about extending the winning streak into the playoffs, even though he was going to sit one of his top players at the start.
Todd said Ritter Hagadorn forgot his jersey at home. Todd benched the midfielder for not having his No. 21 with him.
Eight minutes before the game began, a woman pulled up near the stadium. She brought Hagadorn's jersey.
Hagadorn put the jersey on and waited on the sideline for his chance. Ninety-seven seconds into the game, it came.
