March 2, 2008 The Poway squad takes the field for their 5-4 victory in the Div. I finals. Poway keeper Ian Weinberg blocked San Diego High School’s fifth penalty kick attempt, putting Peter Katakalidis in position to win the title for top-seeded Poway when he drove in the final PK to his team to a 5-4 victory and the championship of CIF San Diego Section Div. I Finals on Saturday at Valhalla. The save by Weinberg and the PK by Katakalidis came after the game remained scoreless in regulation and overtime.

Poway coach Eugene Morris paced the opposite side of the field as the teams went toe-to-toe in five rounds of the shootout. The situation was too intense and he could barely watch. Before Katakalidis took position, Morris told him it was just like practice. The extra time spent on kicks came in handy. The Gatorade bath Morris received meant he was the second person in his family to earn a championship patch for the Titans. His brother produced one as a player in 1990 and 18 years later, Morris brought one home as a coach. Morris has known most of his squad since they were little kids and he was beyond proud. With the CIF crown, Morris joked he can now fit in with the other Poway coaches. The excitement didn’t deter Morris from looking toward next year either. He has top players such as Zach Olow and Spencer Skeen to help lead the pack, but the seniors still have at least one more game to play, as the win guarantees them a spot in the regional tournament.

Each team was successful at all phases of the game and not giving anything up. Despite the scoreless game, Poway had the edge due to overall fitness. Morris said the Titans focused a lot on conditioning this year and let them play vigorously for 95 minutes and helped wear down the tSan Diego crew.

Poway earned 12 shots at the net compared to San Diego’s three in the second half, which kept goalie Miguel Sepulveda busy. San Diego’s keeper was in usual form with skilled saves. Eduardo Pineda helped the Cavers win a handful of contests to get past the middle, but Poway’s Gunnar Emery helped clean up shop. Another battle was between San Diego’s Leo Perez and Skeen who had the daunting task of keeping Perez on a short field. Click here for more photos of the match. -Amberly Richardson