With one left week in the regular season, the Los Gatos High School boys lacrosse team has put itself in prime position to make another deep playoff run.
The Wildcats are the defending Central Coast Section Division II champions and will likely be slotted in the same classification for this year’s postseason, which begins May 12.
Los Gatos entered this week’s action at 10-7 overall and 7-2 in the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Gabilan Division.
The Wildcats have clinched second place in the division, but the highlight of their season came in a riveting 10-9 non-league win over Bellarmine on April 4. Tanner Ford sealed the outcome with a goal in the sudden death overtime period, igniting a wild celebration.
“Beating Bellarmine was a big upset,” Wildcats coach Davis Lehman said. “That was one of the guys’ big goals of the season.”
Junior defender Zach Otoupal certainly hasn’t rested on his laurels after winning PCAL Gabilan Division Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024. Otoupal leads the team in forced turnovers and is a dominant presence on the field.
“Zach is just a stud,” Lehman said. “He’s definitely a leader, on and off the field. You’ll hear from all of his coaches, whether it’s football or basketball, that he is (not only) one of the hardest workers, but one of the most supportive teammates, too. And it translates on and off the field—in and out of the classroom—and it’s easy to notice.”
Another junior defender, Jack Harrington, provides consistent play and an indefatiguable work ethic.
“Jack is another hard worker and we love his energy out on the field,” Lehman said. “He rallies his teammates and has such a positive attitude, which makes a difference.”
Speaking of difference-makers, senior goalie Carter Paradice has been dynamic, producing highlight-reel saves and consistent play.
“Carter has been absolutely legend for us this season,” Lehman said. “He’s had some absolutely insane games like the Bellarmine one. I can’t even remember how many saves he had, but he was just lights-out. The development I’ve seen from him the last few years is spectacular.”
Senior Luis Coderque-Ferrer is a faceoff specialist and plays a vital role on the squad’s man-down unit.
“He’s an excellent defensive player and kind of our silent leader,” Lehman said. “He’s not the most outspoken guy but one who leads by example. He puts his head down, gets the job done and is a wonderful, kind-hearted young kid. It’s such a pleasure to have him on the team.”
Senior attacker Luke Goddard is the school’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 125 entering this week’s play. Despite his prolific scoring output, Goddard is equally liberal in setting up his teammates to find the back of the net.
“Luke is a quarterback out there and gets everyone in the right places,” Lehman said. “He’s a great player, has good vision and really understands the game. He’s definitely a difference-maker out there offensively.”
Zach Gouldrup, a junior midfielder, excels both on the attack and on defense.
“Zach is an awesome two-way midfielder,” Lehman said. “He’s got a big personality and is always the loudest guy in the huddle, which we appreciate. He’s also the first one to get excited when someone picks up a ground ball, makes a big hit or scores.”
Junior midfielder Ben Reilly makes plays that don’t show up on the scoresheet, but the intangibles he brings to the team are paramount.
“What he brings is hustle,” Lehman said. “He’s an amazing midfield defender, knows how to dodge and probably has one of the fastest shots on the team. He’s definitely unselfish and wants his teammates to succeed.”
Lehman was an assistant last year under then-coach Chris Nespor, who moved to San Luis Obispo last spring. Nespor laid down a strong foundation for the program in the seven years he was at the helm, and Lehman is looking to build upon it.
“My vision for the future of this program is that come spring people are chomping at the bit to come watch Los Gatos High School boys lacrosse play,” he said. “Hopefully be the talk of the town and people will be attending the weeknight lacrosse games. Creating that type of program starts from the youth level up.”
To that end, Lehman works as a coach at South Bay United, one of the rising club lacrosse programs in the area. Lehman’s greatest desire is to grow the game, which will benefit not just Los Gatos but many other high schools throughout the region.
“We’re working with youth kids and we even have a team as young as a U10 now,” Lehman said. “The big thing is we’re trying to build the youth programs around here and those kids will start feeding into the high schools. The way we create success and sustainability is by exposing the game to them at a young age and piquing their interest. We’re just really excited to grow all levels of lacrosse in this region and the entire state of California.”
