The weekend’s high school sports action across Santa Cruz County was highlighted by a tightly contested flag football game in which Soquel High edged out Harbor High by a score of 13-6, delivering a thrilling finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Flag Football Showdown
Quarterback Katie Niizawa was the catalyst of the Soquel offense, connecting with Emma Niizawa on a 42‑yard touchdown pass early in the first half and later adding a 7‑yard strike that helped seal the victory.
Emma Niizawa and Mia Barton each recorded two interceptions, while Belen Horn and Sophie Santee each picked off a pass, underscoring Soquel’s defensive vigor and ability to turn momentum into points.
Charlotte Ryan led the team in receptions and flag pulls, directing the offense with poise and consistently moving the chains, while Harbor’s Sophia Forbus responded with a touchdown pass from Richelle Maldonado‑Ortega, providing the only score for the visiting team.
Volleyball and Cross‑Country Highlights
In a dominant performance, the Soquel Mariners shut out Harbor 14-0 in volleyball, with setter Autumn Guiterrez orchestrating two touchdown plays that highlighted her command of the net and contributed to the team’s flawless record.
The Mariners also entered the weekend as defending SCCAL volleyball champions, a status that added pressure and prestige to their shutout victory, while Aptos High’s volleyball squad posted a 3‑0 win over Palma, further illustrating the depth of local competition.
At the MVC Invitational, Finley Castro claimed the girls’ cross‑country title for the Mustangs, and the Mustangs’ boys’ team continued its recent dominance with top finishes in the cross‑country race, showcasing the program’s breadth of success across disciplines.
Additional league action included Scotts Valley High’s Lyla Rebbert scoring for the Falcons in their SCCAL win over San Lorenzo Valley, illustrating the widespread competitive spirit among the county’s high schools.
Together, these results reflect a vibrant local sports culture where each program contributed to a weekend of memorable achievements, reinforcing community pride and setting an exciting tone for the upcoming season.