Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 8:48
Key Takeaways:
Local high school football delivered intense action this week as Pacific Coast Athletic League teams faced off in crucial crossover matchups. Coaches praised defensive resilience and offensive explosions across multiple fields throughout the region.
Seaside High School dominated Santa Cruz with a thrilling 62-51 finish. The highlight came from running back Josiah Escort, who rushed for a staggering county record of seven touchdowns. The Pirates scored their final 26 points in the closing stages to secure the high-scoring affair.
The offense clicked when it mattered most. Escort simply refused to stop moving forward.
St. Francis High School held Soledad to just six points in a 13-6 triumph. The Sharks defense recorded crucial stops and an interception by senior linebacker Nicky Fantl. Junior quarterback Jacob Fonseca and senior running back Francisco Ortiz handled the scoring duties effectively.
In Castroville, Salinas High School rolled past North Monterey County 35-0. Senior quarterback Brayden Scoma threw two touchdown passes, while running back Cody Goulart added two rushing scores. A major factor was the return of middle linebacker Jacob Hardin, named the 2025 Division Defensive Player of the Year, who recorded a sack and over ten tackles.
Scotts Valley edged Pacific Grove 28-14 behind precise passing from Bryce McDonell and explosive runs from Monte Jordan. The Falcons improved to 2-2 after recent struggles, relying on fourth-down stops and timely red zone efficiency.
King City defeated Aptos 28-13 despite some early miscues. The Mustangs controlled the clock and limited the Mariners to minimal offensive production. Junior fullback Anthony Najera contributed two rushing scores for the losing side.
The Pacific Coast Athletic League remains one of California's most competitive high school football conferences. These crossover games heavily influence division standings and playoff seeding for schools across Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Local fan turnout continues to rise as teams build momentum heading into mid-season play.
High school football has deep roots in California's Central Coast, dating back to the early twentieth century. The Pacific Coast Athletic League was established to standardize competition among regional programs, fostering rivalries that unite communities every autumn.
Friday night proved once again that Central Coast high school football delivers elite talent and unforgettable moments. As the season progresses, these victories will shape postseason hopes for every program involved. Fans can expect more intense battles when the schedule resumes next week.
