Mira Costa Boys LAX Beats Agoura to Advance in CIF Playoffs

The Mira Costa boys lacrosse (16-3) team used finesse, communication, and good ol’ teamwork to outplay visiting Agoura High School (14-4) in the second round of the CIF southern section playoffs, winning in dramatic fashion 18-7.

Lacrosse is definitely a game of strategy and exploiting the opposing team's weaknesses. The Mustangs took advantage of a slow-moving Agoura ream with in-your-face speed and agility, scoring a phenomenal 18 goals from 10 different players.

First year head coach for the Mustangs, Chris Jewett was particularly happy with the way the young attackers came together. “Clay Russert had a big game for us,” said Jewett. Russert, who has been unlucky at times, came through in a big way, compiling four goals and two assists.

Also adding to the plethora of goals was Chris O’brien, a very skilled attacker and all-around player, scoring three goals versus Agoura. His presence around the net, and exploiting the tardiness of some of the defenders when driving down the lanes, were key to putting the ball in the net. “Lacrosse is the fastest sport on two feet,” O'brien said. "We knew they had two or three guys who we wanted to shut down from watching tape earlier in the week and we did.”  

He added that having fellow teammate Dakota Randall back was important. “He has great vision and he makes good decisions. He is like a field general.” O’brien said.

Out for the past nine weeks with a fractured back, Randall played well and made an impact early in the match, setting the tone for the Mustangs attack. “ I felt rusty, but I was excited to be out there,” Randall said. However, he did not return to play in the second half so that he could rest and receive treatment to prepare for next week's matchup against Palos Verdes (18-3).

The Mustangs defense was solid overall, keeping Agoura at bay, while the offense kept busy. Goalkeeper Jon Mayfield contributed his talent in the net, allowing only four goals the entire match.  “He’s a beast in the net,” said Jewett.

The Mustangs compete against Up rival Palos Verdes on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Mira Costa High School.  Said O'brien, “Last year they killed us in the playoffs.” In regular Bay League season play this year, the two teams split their matchups, the Mustangs losing at home 11-12, but beating PV on the road 15-7. 

“Our team is like a family," said O'brien. "We win when we have to.”