The Birmingham Patriots water polo team is off to a fast start in the playoffs after beating the 16 seeded Contreras Cobras 19-3 on Nov. 5.

Senior Anthony Dracic and Junior Maxim Grinfield both had impacts on the game. Dracic had one goal and five assists and Grinfield had two goals and four assists.

Senior Anthony Dracic always has a preparation routine, but especially for a playoff game.

“I go to sleep early, I eat a good breakfast, don’t do any physical activity the day of the game, and I get into a serious mindset knowing this could be my very last polo game of my high school career,” Dracic said.

The Patriots’ next game is today at 3 p.m. against the San Pedro Pirates at Birmingham Community Charter High School. Birmingham is 8-1 at home while San Pedro is 4-1 on the road.