The Aptos High football team recorded its first shutout of the season following an all-around stellar performance in last week’s 25-0 non-league win over Watsonville High on Sept. 13.
The Mariners’ defense forced three turnovers—two interceptions and one fumble—in the second half. And the special teams unit also contributed as senior Ryan Solorio returned the second half’s opening kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown.
“I knew when we were coming out that I was gonna get that ball kicked off to me,” he said. “Once I took that to the crib, that kind of made us feel a lot better.”
Solorio, who grew up in Watsonville and attended Moreland Notre Dame School, said it was a great experience to see some of his former classmates.
“I’m excited I got to play against all my old friends. And we won, too, so that’s the best part. Have a little bragging rights about it,” he said.
Aptos took a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter when quarterback Joshua Bermio connected with Moises Torres for a 29-yard touchdown pass.
The score remained the same going into halftime following a goal line stance by the Wildcatz, allowing them to hang with the big dogs from the Pacific Coast Athletic League Gabilan Division—the top tier of the four divisions within the league.
“I’m proud of the defense. If we catch the ball, it’s a different ball game. It is what it is. Aptos has a wonderful program over there, regardless of the new head coach. They got something we all want, and we’re striving for that,” Watsonville coach Manny Contreras said.
In the third quarter, Dylan Guisado lost one fumble for Aptos that gave Watsonville back some life.
But the ‘Catz’s offense failed to capitalize on the mistake. On the ensuing play, Tino Razzo’s pass attempt was intercepted by Aptos’ Gavin Boston.
Nate Garcia and Deric Moren each had one rushing touchdown in the second half to cap off the scoring for Aptos (2-1), which hosts Seaside (0-2) on Sept. 19 at 7:30pm.
Watsonville (1-2) plays at Pajaro Valley (1-2) in the annual Belgard Kup game Sept. 21 at 12:30pm.
“They made us earn it. Hats off to them. They were playing hard, and playing with intensity and emotion which is what I expected,” Aptos coach Zach Hewett said.
Scoreboard
Flag football
Aptos 32, Watsonville 0: Fernanda Lazo finished with 198 yards passing for the Wildcatz in their non-league loss to the Mariners on Sept. 12.
Stephanie Martinez had nine receptions for 108 yards for Watsonville. Fellow teammate Isabella Alvarez hauled in four receptions for 24 yards, while Brianna Leon finished with four receptions for 46 yards.
St. Francis 28, Palma 7: Freshman quarterback Liliana Whitmeyer tosses three touchdowns for the Sharks in their win over the Chieftains in Pacific Coast Athletic League Mission Division action Sept. 12. With the win, St. Francis improves to 6-0 in league play.
Evonna Jordan, a sophomore, hauled in a pair of TD receptions for the Sharks. Fellow teammate sophomore Maya Calfee had one touchdown catch and one rushing score to go along with three interceptions on defense.
Up next, St. Francis (7-1) hosts Watsonville and Seaside on Sept. 24 with the first game scheduled for 5pm.
Watsonville 41, Alvarez 0: Fernanda Lazo had 152 yards passing with four touchdowns for the Wildcatz in a shutout win over the Eagles in PCAL Mission Division action Sept. 11. Up next, the ‘Catz (1-4, 1-1) continue league play at home against Monterey (1-1) on Sept. 18, followed by a road game at Alisal (2-2, 0-2) on Sept. 18. Both games are slated to kick off at 6:15pm.
King City 22, Watsonville 14: Fernanda Lazo finished with 200 yards passing and two touchdowns for the Wildcatz in a loss to the Mustangs in the teams’ PCAL Mission Division opener Sept. 9. Isabella Alvarez and Fatima Gonzalez each hauled in one TD reception for Watsonville.
Girls tennis
St. Francis 4, Oakwood 3: Paula Reyes, Annie Edelmaier and Emmy Ritter each won in their singles matches to help lift the Sharks past the Hawks in PCAL Cypress Division play Sept. 10.
Sarah Kuriakose and Emma Delgado won their doubles match 6-1, 6-3 for St. Francis, which had to forfeit two matches because it didn’t have enough players to roster a full team.
“Both teams competed hard although the scores don’t reflect it,” St. Francis coach Jesse Yniguez said.
Girls volleyball
St. Francis 3, Pajaro Valley 1: Georgia Otzman had 25 assists for the Sharks in a four-set (25-20, 25-19, 23-25, 25-23) non league win against the Grizzlies on Sept. 11. Delaney Fowler finished with a team-best 15 kills and Peyton Orradre added 11 kills. Carley Anderson had two blocks and nine kills, while fellow teammate Julie Lopez had 12 assists for the Sharks.
Games to Watch
- Watsonville at Pajaro Valley, football, Saturday at 12:30pm: A pair of cross-town rivals will meet in the annual Belgard Kup game for a chance to capture the illustrious 5-quart white ceramic coffee mug. The Wildcatz (1-2) currently own a 16-2 overall record against the Grizzlies (1-2), including a 15-2 record since the Kup was introduced in 2007.
- Monte Vista Christian vs. Alvarez, football, Friday at 7:30pm: The Mustangs (1-2) will attempt to bounce against a challenging Eagles (2-1) team that is coming off a 47-0 crushing win over Rancho San Juan.
- Aptos at Soquel, flag football, Wednesday at 7:30pm: The Mariners (3-1, 2-0) are facing a Knights (2-0, 2-0) defense that has allowed just 12 points in their first two games.
- Monte Vista Christian vs. King City, girls volleyball, Tuesday at 6pm: PCAL Gabilan Division play begins for both Mustangs teams, but it’s MVC (6-0) aiming to keep its unblemished record intact by the end of the night.
- Watsonville vs. Palma, girls volleyball, Friday at 6pm: The Wildcatz (5-2, 1-0) continue their quest for a PCAL Mission Division crown in a league match against the Chieftains (3-1, 1-0).
This week’s edition of the Weeklys Sports Ticker highlights local prep athletes for their performances during the week of Sept. 9-15. Coaches and athletic directors are encouraged to submit scores and highlights to jr****@we*****.com . Follow sports editor Juan Reyes (@jmreyes831) on Twitter for scores and news updates.
