UPDATE: All four football teams from Santa Cruz County are set to kick off the Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs with road games this weekend, following the seeding meeting held on Sunday. The stakes are high as these teams vie for playoff glory while battling fierce competition.
In a thrilling start to the playoffs, Soquel (9-1), the Pacific Coast Athletic League (PCAL) Gabilan Division runner-up, faces off against No. 4 Palma (10-0) at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas on Friday at 7 p.m. Soquel, seeded No. 5 in Division I, seeks revenge after suffering a narrow 28-21 loss to Palma on Halloween. The Knights, hampered by injuries, will rely on their “next man up” mentality as they battle the formidable Chieftains, led by standout junior running back Eli Dukes, who has amassed 2,001 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns this season.
In another exciting matchup, No. 6 Saint Francis (5-5) from Mountain View will challenge No. 3 Los Gatos (7-3) in the same division. This game promises to be a critical showdown as teams aim to secure a place in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Scotts Valley (8-2) and San Lorenzo Valley (SLV) (8-2) are set to clash in the Division IV quarterfinals. Scotts Valley, seeded No. 6, will take on No. 3 Lincoln (7-3) in San Jose, while No. 7 SLV faces No. 2 Willow Glen (8-2) on the same night, both kicking off at 7 p.m. The fierce rivalry between Scotts Valley and SLV could lead to a highly anticipated semifinal matchup if both teams advance.
In Division V, Santa Cruz (7-3) is set to battle No. 2 Ann Sobrato (6-4) in Morgan Hill on Saturday at 1 p.m. Coach Sergio Escobar emphasizes the challenge ahead, stating, “It’s not going to be a cake walk in D-V.” The Cardinals are hoping to leverage their smaller roster size against larger teams.
Friday’s matchups promise excitement and drama as teams strive for victory. Each game will determine who moves one step closer to playoff glory, with the potential for upsets and unforgettable moments on the field.
Fans are urged to support their teams this weekend as the action unfolds in the CCS playoffs.
IF YOU GO:
CCS Quarterfinals Schedule:
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 teams battle it out for a chance at the championship!
