UPDATE: Four football teams from Santa Cruz County are set to kick off their postseason journeys in the Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs this weekend, all in away games. This announcement comes following the CCS seeding meeting held earlier this week, and the matchups promise intense competition.
In the Division I quarterfinals, Soquel High School, the Pacific Coast Athletic League (PCAL) Gabilan Division runner-up, faces a formidable challenge against No. 4 Palma on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 7 p.m. at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas. Soquel, currently boasting a record of 9-1, is the No. 5 seed and seeks revenge against Palma, after suffering a narrow 28-21 defeat on Halloween.
Soquel is grappling with injuries, having lost over five starters since their last encounter. However, junior quarterback Rowen Gonsiewski is stepping up as a starter, and the team is adopting a “next man up” mentality. Knights running back Keyandre Bailey expressed confidence, stating, “We gotta have the same mentality going in, otherwise it’s going to be a bad result.”
In another crucial Division I matchup, No. 6 Saint Francis (5-5) will travel to face No. 3 Los Gatos (7-3) on the same night. The stakes are high, as the winner will advance to face the Open Division runner-up in the D-I title match later this month.
The Division IV quarterfinals are equally compelling. Scotts Valley (8-2), seeded No. 6, is set to clash with No. 3 Lincoln (7-3) in San Jose on Friday at 7 p.m. The Lions, led by standout quarterback Luca Papoulias, have a potent offense, making this an exciting matchup.
Meanwhile, San Lorenzo Valley (SLV) (8-2), the No. 7 seed, will face off against No. 2 Willow Glen (8-2) in another D-IV showdown. SLV is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2015 and aims to make a significant impact.
In the Division V bracket, Santa Cruz (7-3), seeded No. 7, will take on No. 2 Ann Sobrato (6-4) in Morgan Hill on Saturday, November 4, at 1 p.m. Coach Sergio Escobar emphasized the competitive nature of D-V, stating, “It’s not going to be a cake walk.”
The excitement is palpable as fans anticipate these critical matchups. All eyes will be on the field as these teams strive for victory and a shot at the CCS title.
IF YOU GO:
CCS Quarterfinals Schedule:
– Friday, November 3, 2023 at 7 p.m.:
– D-I: No. 5 Soquel (9-1) at No. 4 Palma (10-0) at 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, November 4, 2023 at 1 p.m.:
– D-V: No. 7 Santa Cruz (7-3) at No. 2 Ann Sobrato (6-4)
Stay tuned for updates and results from these thrilling high school football playoff battles!
