With a bulked-up schedule and championship dreams, the Agoura High boys' water polo team is taking the mind-set that all matches are important.

But some victories are a tad more critical than others.

Peter Kurzeka scored a game-high four goals, and the Chargers took command with a three-goal spurt in the second half to post an 8-6 victory over top Marmonte League rival Royal in their early league showdown at the Rancho Simi Community Pool on Thursday.

"It's pretty big for us," said Kurzeka, a senior playmaker. "It's always tough to come here and get a win in their pool. They're going to challenge you, and we were able to do what we had to do to come out with a win.

"Our focus is one game at a time, but this is a good win for us."

Agoura, ranked No. 1 in the CIF-Southern Section Division IV, improves to 1-0 in league and 7-0 overall. The Chargers' first scheduled league match at Newbury Park High on Tuesday was postponed by a bomb threat that turned out to be a false alarm.

Royal, ranked No. 4 in Division IV, moves to 2-1 in league and 10-3 overall.

Scott Snyder, Barry Snyder and Brian Geigoldt scored two goals apiece for the Highlanders.

Agoura coach Dustin Litvak said he always anticipates a close match with Royal.

"We tried to not make it any more than it is," said Litvak. "I wanted our guys to come in here focused and relaxed, but I still think we were a little tight.

"I don't think either team was at its best, but they still gave us a tough match. That's a very good team, so I would expect them to get better and better by the time we play again in our pool."

Kurzeka scored two goals in the first quarter to help the Chargers to a 3-2 lead, then tallied back-to-back goals in the second half to snap a 5-5 deadlock.

His final score, a backflip toss past Royal goalie Stash Dabrowski, pushed the lead to 7-5 with 6:37 remaining.

A tight, back-and-forth game is nothing new to Agoura, which has loaded its schedule with top teams.

Agoura has already played and defeated No. 2 ranked Mira Costa. The Chargers have won the Riverside Poly Tournament, and leave today for an elite tournament in San Diego.

"Our goal is to win a CIF-SS championship," said Kurzeka. "We're still coming together and trying to jell as a team, but I definitely think we're making good progress."