JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers FACIAL—Westlake High goalkeeper Conrad Aleks, who continues to battle for the Warriors' starting job, blocks a shot during practice. Royal and Agoura appear to be the cream of the crop in league. The Royal High boys' water polo team wants what Agoura has, and, no, it's not just a Marmonte League title.

The Highlanders wouldn't mind capturing their own league title for the first time since 2005, but what head coach Steve Snyder is really looking forward to is a CIF-Southern Section Division IV championship plaque.

"Our chances are very good this year based on the fact that we are a very senior-heavy team," Snyder said. "I feel we should win league, but I'm also confident we can win the whole thing."

The Highlanders return seniors Lawrence Bardelli, Jordan Ritz and Snyder's son Scott. Scott Snyder was named to the Marmonte's All-League first team last season and is expected to lead the Highlanders.

"Scott is bringing a different dynamic to the team," Steve Snyder said. "He's more of a leader. He's our quarterback in the pool, and he sees the playing field better than any kid I've ever coached."

Snyder said Ritz should be the team's primary 2-meter man, while the coach called Bardelli "an exceptional player with tremendous speed and quickness who is extremely dangerous on counterattacks."

Other bright spots for RHS include freshman Cody Moore, junior Tanner Jauch, sophomore Zach Graper and senior Brett DeLang.

Although Royal is confident, taking the league and CIF titles from Agoura won't exactly be a stroll in the park, or pool, so to speak. In fact, Westlake head coach Todd Irmas believes the Chargers are still the favorite.

"I saw Agoura play over the summer, and I think they're still the team to beat," Irmas said.

"They have some really great swimmers, and P.J. Iannone is one of the best players in the area."

The majority of Agoura's roster from last season, including goalie Ryan Paris and Marmonte League Player of the Year Peter Kurzeka, have graduated. Standouts such as Iannone and David Sparks return, but the Chargers lack Royal's experience.

Agoura head coach Dustin Litvak said for the Chargers to defend their crown, it's going to take an entire team effort.

"As good as (Kurzeka) was, we still needed other players, such as Matt Carlson and Casey Sullivan, to have spectacular seasons to win it all," Litvak said. "This year is no different. We're going to need everyone to step up."

Litvak expects juniors James Altmann and Josh Lefkowitz, as well as senior Collin Rothermel and junior Bruk Campbell, to make a big impact. Campbell will have the tough task of replacing Paris in the cage.

Like Royal, Thousand Oaks is banking on experience as the Lancers return 12 seniors. Some of T.O.'s top returnees include junior Christian Brock as well as seniors Griffin Talen, Paul Gober, Kyle Johnson and Kevin Brown.

Thousand Oaks head coach Mike Giles is upbeat about his team's chances but admitted it may be a two-team race for first, while the rest of the league battles for a playoff spot.

"Agoura and Royal are clearly the teams to beat, but we're hoping to give them a good run," Giles said. "Once again, I'd say it's going to be a battle for us to try and get that third- or fourth-place spot. We have a great group of guys that I believe can get us there."

Another team that will be fighting for a top-four finish is Moorpark, which came in fourth last year. The Musketeers are a young team, however, and how well they play depends on how quickly the sophomores and juniors develop.

Some of the young Musketeer players that will chip in include sophomores Quinn Kissinger and Jeff Markling, as well as juniors Danny Lorch, Tyler Nelson and Zach Rutland.

Moorpark head coach Jason Nevis has been especially impressed with Rutland's performance in summer practices.

Rutland "kind of slides under the radar," Nevis said. "I expect him to step up and make a huge impact. A lot of that has to do with his long arms. He's not only able to shoot higher over defenders, but he's also been also taking the ball away on defense, too."

Moorpark senior Tyler Rettig will play a large role as he begins his second year in the cage.

Westlake, which finished third in league last season, will once again look to make the playoffs with the return of seniors Matt Izumo and J.K. Loring. The Warriors' success, though, depends on their defense, which is led by Yvan Bovard.

"Bovard is going to be the main guy guarding our opposition's 2-meter men," Irmas said. "Physically, he's one of the strongest players in the league."

Westlake is currently going with a platoon system at goalkeeper, with senior Andrew Turner and junior Conrad Aleks rotating in and out of the lineup.

Newbury Park will also rely on its experience. The Panthers bring back eight seniors, including standouts Kyle Hay and Kyle Sobieski.

"Both (Hay) and (Sobieski) are very fast swimmers, and their speed helps us on our counterattacks," NPHS head coach Dave Gleisberg said.

Gleisberg is also expecting big things from junior Thomas de Lyon, who may end up as the squad's top goal-scorer.

Early in the season, the Panthers also will be using a platoon system in net as senior Mitch Engleking and junior Scott Griffin continue to compete for the starting job.

Calabasas, a seventh-place finisher a year ago, continues its rebuilding process.