UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, Santa Cruz High’s football team clinched the Santa Lucia League title and a berth in the Central Coast Section playoffs with a commanding 38-14 victory over rival Harbor High. This significant win, celebrated on senior night, marks a remarkable turnaround for the Cardinals, who are now at 6-2 overall and 5-0 in league play.
The Cardinals showcased their dominance with 351 yards on offense, powered by standout performances including two touchdown receptions from receiver Rocco Marini. “It’s amazing,” Marini stated. “They were talking about it. They were saying this is their Super Bowl. We showed up.”
Santa Cruz, just two years removed from a dismal winless season, has transformed under the leadership of second-year head coach Sergio Escobar. “I’m just happy for the guys,” Escobar said. “We’re able to string together wins after last season. I know what I ask of them is not easy, but they do it with a smile on their face.”
The Cardinals struck first with a 37-yard field goal by Anderson Hernandez, capping a lengthy drive that exposed Harbor’s defensive penalties. Following this, Marini’s two touchdown receptions helped build a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime.
Despite a strong effort from Harbor High running back Hudson Coffey Pennell, who scored twice, the Pirates struggled to regain momentum. Coach James Gaynor Jr. praised his team’s fighting spirit, noting, “To see the effort get back in the second half was satisfying.”
Looking forward, Santa Cruz will face Gonzales on November 7 at 7:30 p.m.. Even if they lose that match, they have already secured a playoff spot due to their earlier victory over Pajaro Valley, ensuring an exciting postseason is on the horizon for the rejuvenated Cardinals.
The emotional stakes were high as Santa Cruz players took a moment to celebrate their victory with family and friends, a testament to their hard work and determination. With one game left in the regular season, the Cardinals are poised to continue their impressive comeback story.
As for Harbor, their focus shifts to upcoming games against Gonzales and Seaside, as they aim to break their winless streak. “When we started in August, our No. 1 goal was to beat Santa Cruz,” Gaynor emphasized.
This significant victory is not just a win on the scoreboard but a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of high school football in Santa Cruz. Expect more updates as the postseason approaches!
