UPDATE: Santa Cruz High’s football team has officially clinched the Santa Lucia League title and a coveted playoff berth with a decisive 38-14 victory over crosstown rival Harbor, marking a remarkable turnaround from their winless season just two years ago. The game, played on senior night, showcased the Cardinals’ offensive prowess with 351 yards and a staunch defensive performance.
In a game filled with intensity and community spirit, the Cardinals (6-2, 5-0) celebrated their first league title since 2021. Head coach Sergio Escobar expressed his pride in the team’s transformation, stating, “We’re able to string together wins after last season. I’m happy we’re 300% better than last year.” The players took a moment after the game to relish their victory, highlighting the emotional gravity of the moment.
Running back Angelo Meyer reflected on their achievement, exclaiming, “That’s a league title, baby! It’s a great feeling, man. I love being out here, playing with my brothers.” The Cardinals are now set to face Gonzales (2-5, 2-2) on November 7 at 7:30 p.m. in their final regular-season game.
The Cardinals dominated the first half, scoring on their opening drive with a 37-yard field goal by Anderson Hernandez. They extended their lead in the second quarter with two touchdown receptions from Rocco Marini, who had previously played only defense this season. Meyer also contributed with a standout 47-yard touchdown run, finishing with 116 yards on just 11 carries.
Despite the loss, Harbor (0-8, 0-4) showed resilience, particularly in the second half, with running back Hudson Coffey Pennell scoring twice. Coach James Gaynor Jr. noted the improvement in effort, stating, “When we first got to Harbor, when we’d get down two scores, we’d lay down. To see the effort get back in the second half was satisfying.”
Santa Cruz’s win places them in a strong position for the playoffs, holding the tie-breaker over second-place Pajaro Valley (4-4, 3-1). Even if Pajaro Valley wins their remaining games and Santa Cruz loses, the Cardinals will still advance to the Central Coast Section playoffs.
As the Cardinals prepare for Gonzales next week, the community is buzzing with excitement. The transformation from a 0-10 record two years ago to a league championship is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both players and coaches. The future looks bright for Santa Cruz football, and fans are eager to see what lies ahead in the playoffs.
Santa Cruz High receiver Rocco Marini summed it up, saying, “It’s amazing… We just came and beat them. We showed up.” This victory not only marks a significant milestone for the team but also ignites hope and pride within the community.
Stay tuned for more updates as Santa Cruz aims for playoff glory!
