Santa Cruz High Grabs League Title, Playoff Spot with 38-14 Win

UPDATE: In a stunning turnaround, Santa Cruz High’s football team clinched the Santa Lucia League title and secured a playoff berth with a decisive 38-14 victory over crosstown rival Harbor High during the Shell rivalry game. This monumental win marks a significant comeback for the Cardinals, who were previously winless just two years ago.

The Cardinals dominated the field with 351 yards of offense and showcased a powerful defense, making crucial stops throughout the game. Coach Sergio Escobar, in his second year, expressed his pride in the team’s improvement, stating, “We’re able to string together wins after last season. I’m happy we’re 300% better than last year, so I’ll take it.”

Players celebrated their senior night in style, with running back Angelo Meyer exclaiming, “That’s a league title, baby! It’s a great feeling, man. I love being out here, playing with my brothers.” The Cardinals now stand at 6-2 overall with a perfect 5-0 league record.

With just one game left in the regular season—a matchup against Gonzales on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m.—Santa Cruz is poised to maintain its stronghold in the playoffs. Even if rival Pajaro Valley (currently 4-4) wins its remaining games, Santa Cruz will advance due to their earlier victory over the Grizzlies.

Despite their struggles earlier in the season, Harbor High showed resilience, particularly in the second half. Coach James Gaynor Jr. noted the improvement in his team’s effort: “To see the effort get back in the second half… that was satisfying to see because there was fighting.”

Santa Cruz kicked off the scoring with a 37-yard field goal by Anderson Hernandez, capping a strong 10-play drive. The Cardinals broke open the lead in the second quarter, with receiver Rocco Marini contributing two touchdown catches and helping to establish a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime.

Marini emphasized the importance of this rivalry win, saying, “It’s huge… They were saying this is their Super Bowl. We just came and beat them. We showed up.”

The game featured standout performances, including Meyer’s game-high 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Harbor’s Hudson Coffey Pennell, who ran for 75 yards. However, the Pirates struggled with penalties, accumulating a staggering 135 yards in infractions.

As the season nears its conclusion, Santa Cruz aims to build on this momentum. Their impressive victory not only showcases their growth but also highlights the emotional investment from players and coaches alike. The entire team is now focused on making a significant run in the upcoming Central Coast Section playoffs.

Stay tuned for more updates on their journey as they prepare for the next challenge on the field.