BREAKING: Four football teams from Santa Cruz County are set to battle on the road in the Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs this weekend. The quarterfinal matchups will kick off with intense competition, as all four teams aim for victory in their respective divisions following their automatic playoff berths.
Soquel, the No. 5 seed in Division I, faces a formidable challenge against No. 4 Palma at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas on Friday at 7 p.m. Soquel, boasting a record of 9-1, seeks to avenge its only loss of the season, a narrow 28-21 defeat against Palma back on Halloween. Injuries have affected the Knights’ lineup, but they remain determined.
Junior running back Eli Dukes of Palma is expected to be a key player, having racked up 245 yards and three touchdowns in the previous matchup. He currently holds a staggering 2,001 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns this season, making him a critical factor for Soquel to contain.
In other matchups, the No. 6 seed Saint Francis (5-5) will take on No. 3 Los Gatos (7-3) in another Division I quarterfinal, with both teams looking to secure their place in the semifinals.
The stakes are equally high in Division IV, where fierce rivals Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley are on course to meet in the semifinals, provided they both secure victories in their opening games. Scotts Valley, seeded No. 6 with an 8-2 record, is set to face No. 3 Lincoln (7-3) in San Jose, while No. 7 SLV (8-2) will clash with No. 2 Willow Glen (8-2).
Each team is brimming with potential. Scotts Valley’s quarterback Caden Kilpatrick may not have flashy stats, but his leadership has proven invaluable. “He’s got heart. He’s the reason we’ve been a good team this year,” said running back Colin Murphy.
In Division V, the No. 7 seed Santa Cruz (7-3) will compete against No. 2 Sobrato (6-4) in Morgan Hill on Saturday at 1 p.m. Coach Sergio Escobar emphasized the challenges ahead, stating, “It’s not going to be a cake walk in D-V.” The Cardinals are ready to take on the competition head-on, with junior running back Brady Lennon leading the charge.
The urgency is palpable as all four teams prepare for their critical playoff matches. The winners will advance, with the potential to face tougher opponents in the coming rounds, including the Open Division runner-up for the D-I title on November 28 or 29.
Fans and players alike are gearing up for an electrifying weekend of high school football. Each game promises intense action and the possibility of upsets, as these teams strive to etch their names in CCS history.
IF YOU GO:
CCS Quarterfinals
Friday, 7 p.m.
D-I: No. 5 Soquel (9-1) at No. 4 Palma (10-0), Rabobank Stadium
D-IV: No. 6 Scotts Valley (8-2) at No. 3 Lincoln (7-3)
D-IV: No. 7 SLV (8-2) at No. 2 Willow Glen (8-2)
Saturday, 1 p.m.
D-V: No. 7 Santa Cruz (7-3) at No. 2 Ann Sobrato (6-4)
Stay tuned for updates as these thrilling matchups unfold!
