Playoffs are underway for the Davis High varsity men’s water polo team, and they’re looking for redemption.

Last year, Davis entered the CIF Sac-Joaquin Playoffs as the two seed and fell in the finals to the one-seed Rio Americano. They still made their way to the CIF NorCal championships, where they lost in the first round as the four seed.

This year, the Blue Devils are headed into the first round of playoffs as the three seed. Still, their decisive win over Monterey Trail on Wednesday, Nov. 5 showed just how strong of a team they are.

The game kicked off at the Davis High aquatic center, with family and friends in attendance despite the overcast skies throughout the evening.

Monterey Trail was quick to score the first goal, but the Blue Devils fired back with five of their own. The first quarter ended with a score of 5-2.

After the first quarter, Davis exhibited strong teamwork and offensive power by scoring eight goals. While the Blue Devils dominated in the second quarter, Monterey Trail only managed to score one goal, and Davis extended their lead to ten.

“I think a little highlight was all these young kids stepping up,playing some big minutes in that game—first round of playoffs. I think that was important…that was good to see,” junior Will Cutler said.

With such a big gap, Davis could afford to have their reserves jump in, giving their starters some rest. Freshman Ethan Fry led the way with five goals. Sophomore Henry Podsakoff and freshman Edo Sacchi followed with four goals each.

“I think that we played well as a team, but I still think we can up our intensity for the next game,” Fry said.