On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Yorba Linda Mustangs hosted the La Habra Highlanders in a much-anticipated Southern Section water polo match. The game started at 4:00 P.M. at the YLHS Aquatic Center. Starting with varsity, the competition was immediately followed by junior varsity in the evening.
Even though the Mustangs didn’t leave the pool with a win, that evening offered many reasons for pride among YLHS students, players, and supporters. The crowd’s energy pushed the team with every play, and parents and students from other sports all came to support. Such school spirit serves as the foundation for the team’s success in future games.
During the post-game interviews with The Wrangler, varsity goalie Clayton Jacobs (12) reflected on the team’s resilience against a skilled opponent. He shares, “They had some really good players with a lot of experience… and it was just really hard to stop them.” Jacobs also highlighted one of the team’s bright moments: “We ran this play called Taziki where a lot of the players switch positions, and one of them opens up for a catch-and-shoot shot. I thought that was executed very well.” His comments showed the team’s ability to adapt strategically in the face of adversity.
A varsity offense player in the five position, Connor Duong (12), spoke about how the team plans to grow from this matchup. “Something we should work on is probably our teamwork and helping each other out in tough moments,” he said, “I think we could have beaten that team, but today it’s kind of iffy.” He also noted discipline as a key area of improvement: “We need to stop getting kicked out and keep our heads in the game… that’s a main takeaway from this one.”
Additionally, Aiden Taylor (11), also a varsity offensive player in the five position, emphasized the strong bond that holds the squad together, saying, “Our team dynamic is really good. We’re very close and always hang out after school and just grow together as a team.” Having transitioned from swimming to water polo, he shared what the sport has taught him: “You can’t win without everyone working together… teamwork is definitely the most important.” He ended on an uplifting note, saying his proudest moments are “comebacks…When you’re down by a lot and everyone pushes through mentally, that’s the best feeling in the world.” Those reflections capture what makes YLHS athletics special: perseverance, connection, and a drive to keep improving. For the Mustangs, the night wasn’t about the scoreboard, but about growth.
That night also marked Senior Night, a YLHS tradition to celebrate the senior athletes who have dedicated themselves to their sport. This year, 12 water polo seniors were honored for their commitment to the aquatics program. As they were recognized alongside their families, the moment reminded everyone how much they’ve grown in the program. This event serves both as a farewell and a motivation for the younger players to carry the legacy with teamwork, passion, and perseverance.
As the 2025 men’s water polo season nears an end, the Mustangs hold a moderate national and state ranking. On MaxPreps, Yorba Linda is ranked #240 nationally, #191 in California, and #18 in the Southern Section Division 3 as of early October (maxpreps.com).
