PCAL Week 9
Before we get too far into this week’s preview wanted to share a great story about the King City head coach, and what he has done over the past year to support his family and his community. A great story about a really great man. Sometimes Highschool football is not about the wins and losses on the field.
https://www.montereyherald.com/2024/10/20/high-school-football-a-different-kind-of-comeback-story/
Last week 9-3 Overall 97-29
Gabilan- Some interesting story lines are starting to develop in the Gabilan. It appears Soquel and Salinas are destined for a title matchup on 11/1. Monterey seems to have secured at least third place, while Hollister, Aptos and Palma battle for 4th through 6th. PAL Booster says Palma is basically in the playoffs, but he has them at 5-5, I think they finish 4-6. Will that be enough for the final at-large bid? Maybe? Or does the steak end this year. Hopefully the PCAL will let Alvarez go down to a “B” division for a year or 2 in order to build some consistency.
Thu 10/24 Aptos (CA) at Alvarez (Salinas, CA), 7:00pm – Maybe Alvarez last best shot to win a league game. Also seems odd that Alvarez has to ply 3 Thursdays in a row, while Palma and Monterey don’t have any Thursday night games. Aptos needs to win to stay in the playoffs.
Aptos 38-7
Fri 10/25 Soquel (CA) at Monterey (CA), 7:30pm- Potential trap here for Soquel. Monterey has some huge playmakers and they have been running the ball well lately. Soquel will do what they always do: dictate the pace of the game, control the line of scrimmage, and clamp down on defenses.
Soquel 28-14
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ri 10/25 Arroyo Grande (CA) at Salinas (CA), 7:30pm- 2 schools of thought here: Great to keep the team rolling with a late out of section game against an historically strong program. Or what the hell are you thinking, take the bye get healthy and get ready for the biggest game of the year. If they beat Soquel in 2 weeks genius, if they lose worst scheduling decision ever.
Salinas 28-24
Fri 10/25 Palma (Salinas, CA) vs Hollister (CA) at Salinas Sports Complex (Salinas, CA), 7:30pm- I view this (or next week vs Monterey) as an absolute must win for Palma to ensure a post season invite. Problem is, Hollister might be the better team this year.
Hollister 27-21
Mission North (Watsonville Bye) -After a couple weeks of chaos, maybe some clarity in the Mission North. NMC will be favored over the next 3 weeks and should win the division. Alisal had a big win last week and will also be favored over the next 3 weeks to finish second. But don’t be surprised if either one of these teams’ falters and allows St Francis, MVC or Scott’s Valley to sneak into the playoffs.
Thu 10/24 Scotts Valley (CA) vs St. Francis (Watsonville, CA) at Cabrillo College (Aptos, CA), 7:30pm- Winner still can have an outside chance of playoffs, loser of this game is probably out. St Francis has been more consistent, but Scott’s Vally has played the tougher schedule. St. Francis
21-18
Fri 10/25 North Monterey County (Castroville, CA) at Monte Vista Christian (Watsonville, CA), 7:30pm- MVC QB and WR1 have some staggering numbers. Like leaders in the CCS and state. Congratulations to them. But NMC is 3-0 in division and probably going to the playoff’s.
NMC 27-17
Fri 10/25 Alisal (Salinas, CA) at Seaside (CA), 7:30pm- Alisal had a goal line stand to win last week, probably wont be as close this week.
Alisal 27-7
Mission South (PG Bye) – North Salinas took care of Business vs KC last week to set up a battle for first this week vs Carmel. Carmel did allow Ranch to score a season high 14 points last week, but it was in the 2nd half after they took a 41-0 lead into halftime. We will see if NS can really give them a battle. PG, lost for the 2nd time in a row vs Soledad. This sets up Soledad to challenge NS for a playoff spot in 2 weeks.
Fri 10/25 King City (CA) at Rancho San Juan (Salinas, CA), 7:30pm -Rancho may have found something to build on by scoring some touchdowns last week, meanwhile KC will look to get off the mat after being beat up by North Salinas.
King City 24-7
Fri 10/25 Greenfield (CA) at Soledad (CA), 7:30pm- I can already smell the Swiss sausage. Leno’s vs Richina (if you know you know). As far as football: Soledad needs to win if it want to try an overtake NS for 2nd place.
Soledad 28-24
Sat 10/26 North Salinas (Salinas, CA) at Carmel (CA), 2:00pm -Carmel can not let NS successfully control the clock. NS has 2 offenses one of them being a Wing T formation to try and control the line of scrimmage. The QB is still hurt so they will be trying to run a lot. It may work, But Carmel’s Starting defense is pretty good. Carmel will be able to score.
Carmel 42-21
Santa Lucia (RLS BYE) -I understand why RLS starts late because of the boarding school deal, but schedule a game during the bye week for 10 total games. Mission is SF has an open date. Anyway after RLS took care of PV and SLV pulled away from Gonzales late, this should set up a battle for the title next week. @Streakone, RLS needs to go back on the pick’em next week!!! Also of note last week, is Santa Cruz got a win for the first time in 2 years!!
Sat 10/26 Gonzales (CA) at Pajaro Valley (Watsonville, CA), 12:30pm- This game will probably decide third place. Both teams will be looking to get momentum for next year.
Gonzales 23-18
Sat 10/26 Santa Cruz (CA) at San Lorenzo Valley (Felton, CA), 2:00pm -Santa Cruz hada great win last week, but unless SLV is looking to far ahead to next weeks showdown with RLS, the wininig streak will stop at 1
. SLV 35-7
Sat 10/26 Marina (CA) vs Harbor (Santa Cruz, CA) at Seaside (CA), 7:30pm -2 Struggling programs trying to find something to build upon for next year. Neither one really believes in Defense.
Marina 45-40
