SALINAS–The chilly Salinas Valley winds weren’t quite enough to cool things down in what was a heated battle from the get-go Friday evening at Rabobank Stadium.
But Andrew Montoya’s second half touchdown put any trash talking on ice as he helped team 17 Strong defeat team Veterans Transition Center, 28-7, in the 35th Annual Central Coast 2019 All-Star High School Football Game.
“It feels good, especially since the other team was talking all practice,” Montoya said. “Just to come out here and smack ‘em in the face, it feels pretty good.”
The Monte Vista Christian senior receiver caught the game-sealing score from Pacific Grove High senior quarterback Ben Minik in the third quarter, which gave them bragging rights and a shiny new trophy.
“The quarterback made a good throw, he just hit me,” Montoya said.
Other Mustangs’ included seniors Nolan Lukin, Nathan Renggli and Anthony Shepherd.
The football finale featured several players from Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito County high schools.
Seaside coach Al Avila and Salinas coach Steven Zenk led the two squads. They chose VTC and 17 Strong, respectively, as their choice of local charity.
Donation bins were set up around the stadium in support of the causes.
The money raised was donated to each charity after the game and the 17 Strong was awarded a bonus donation for their cause.
It was the eighth year that the Toro Bulls Youth Football & Cheer organized the event.
“The premier post high school football event on the Central Coast brings together some of the most outstanding high school athletes from across the area.” said Mali Cuda, committee chair of Toro Bulls. “We love football and know the local community wants to see this game continue.”
According to a press release, Toro Bulls is dedicated to assisting youth in developing the characteristics of citizenship, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and physical and mental wellbeing through the spirit of youth sports.
Avila and Zenk put together a staff of assistant coaches from their teams and from other high schools throughout the tri-county.
The teams were assembled by their respective head coaches, who also nominated the players.
Montoya said it was awesome to be part of the experience and make new friends, including those he went up against in the regular season.
“It’s great to represent Monte Vista as a team and come ball out with my teammates one last time,” Montoya said.
Other local participants included Aptos High seniors Christian Reyes, Dre Gomez, Hirotaka Kanai and Josh Powell. The quartet played for 17 Strong.
“It so much more than just a win, it’s coming out one more time playing high school ball,” Gomez said. “Coming out and playing with your brothers one more time. But that “W” (win) really sealed the high school year.”
Powell, who recorded an interception Friday night, said it was fun to team up with some of the best players in the tri-county that he used to go up against not so long ago.
“Now I’ve formed relationships and some of them are my best friends,” Powell said.
The game itself got off to a quick start. Palma High senior Micah Olivas caught a touchdown pass from Seaside High senior Jesse Gonzales that gave team VTC an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
Monterey High quarterback Josh Elmore stormed back with a touchdown run in the second quarter.
They kept things cooking in the second half.
Salinas High quarterback Landon Laporte connected with Cowboys’ teammate Cade Smith for a touchdown, giving 17 Strong its first lead of the game.
Minik connected with Pacific Grove teammate Parker McAnally on a 43-yard scoring toss that put 17 Strong up 21-7 and it never looked back.
Watsonville High seniors Blake Mares, Angel Rocha and Pablo Valle played on VTC.
“It was pretty cool because I met new players from around the league and it was pretty fun playing with other players,” Valle said.
The game was supposed to be a friendly meeting. But Valle glanced over to the winning group afterwards and he said the loss stung a little bit.
“Some things happen for a reason,” Valle said.
Salinas High’s Joey Moag and JJ Chin both recorded interceptions for 17 Strong.
North County senior Riley Anderson recorded an interception for VTC. He said what he’ll remember the most is how much energy the coaches brought to practice.
“Bringing out the best in us and making us the best players we can be,” he said. “I thank them for that.”
Anderson said he was ready to suit up and hit the field one last time in his high school career. He mentioned the loss didn’t sting and instead he relished the moment, calling it a life-changing experience.
“Playing the game, it was remarkable,” Anderson said. “It was a great experience playing with people I had no idea can ball out like that.”
Local All-Stars
Christian Reyes, Aptos
Dre Gomez, Aptos
Hirotaka Kanai, Aptos
Joshua Powell, Aptos
Nolan Lukin, Monte Vista Christian
Andrew Montoya, Monte Vista Christian
Nathan Renggli, Monte Vista Christian
Anthony Shepherd, Monte Vista Christian
Riley Anderson, North County
Blake Mares, Watsonville
Angel Rocha, Watsonville
Pablo Valle, Watsonville
