The Bonita boys water polo team secured the CIF Southern Section Division 3 title with a narrow 10-9 victory over Temecula Valley on November 15, 2025. The championship match took place at Mt. San Antonio College, marking a significant moment for Bonita, who claimed their eighth CIF-SS title in program history.
This final was a rematch from two years ago when Bonita had previously defeated Temecula Valley in the semifinals on their way to the championship. The stakes were high as both teams entered the game as top contenders, with Temecula Valley making its first finals appearance.
Bonita started strong and never trailed, leading by as many as three goals at points during the game. They went ahead 5-2 and 6-3, but Temecula Valley remained resilient. A pivotal moment occurred when Temecula Valley’s Hayden Dablaing scored to tie the game at 8-8 with just over four minutes remaining.
With 2:08 left on the clock, Bonita’s Gary Watson and Antonio Finianos responded with goals, regaining a slight lead at 10-8. Temecula Valley’s Connor Liu brought the score to 10-9 with a tip-in goal just 34.5 seconds before the final whistle, setting the stage for a tense finish.
Bonita’s strategy in the final moments revolved around controlling the clock. However, with just five seconds left, Temecula Valley managed to regain possession and called a timeout to set up a last-ditch effort. Coach Zachary Miller opted to put the ball in the hands of his captain, Chase Wedell, but his shot went wide, allowing Bonita to run out the remaining time.
Reflecting on the match, Bonita head coach Dillon Unsoeld expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting, “We definitely didn’t overlook them. We knew it was going to be a battle.” He emphasized the strength of their opponents, praising Temecula Valley for their journey to the finals.
Senior goalkeeper Julian Falk described the closing moments as nerve-wracking, recalling, “It was just like, ‘holy cow. This is unreal.’ I was just freaking out.” Falk’s journey to the finals was particularly remarkable; he had missed the entire regular season due to a torn UCL in his throwing arm but returned to lead his team to victory.
Bonita’s standout player was Jeffry Heaton, who scored four goals, while Finianos contributed three. On the other side, Liu was a key player for Temecula Valley, also netting four goals.
Despite the loss, Coach Miller commended his team for their resilience throughout the season, stating, “Our motto was, ‘sacrifice for the guy next to you.’ We wanted it, we just came down a little short.”
The final reflected the competitive spirit of high school water polo, showcasing the skill and determination of both teams. As Bonita celebrates their title, the experience gained by Temecula Valley bodes well for their future in the sport.