Sports

Bryce Napier only recently got his California driver’s license, and when he speeds, his family just cheers him on.

The Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League track and field finals took place this past Saturday and, for Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley high schools, several of their runners' seasons will continue at the Central Coast Section finals on May 24 at San Jose City College.

FootballDriven by a monstrous Halloween spirit, both San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley high schools annihilated their football opponents in league games last weekend. On Friday night at Soquel, the Falcons left their starting line-up on the sidelines at the start of the second half as their back-ups continued the massacre of hapless Soquel Knights. The final score, 40-0, could probably have been in triple digits if not for the running clock.Despite the high winning score, San Lorenzo Valley HS didn't have such an easy job on Saturday afternoon. Visiting Santa Cruz High showed a lot of resurgence in the second half until two running TD's from Nick Salibi and Scott Poetzinger at the end of the third quarter practically sealed the win. Both teams will face their main title contender, hosts Aptos High – SLV Cougars this Friday evening, SV Falcons a week later, on Friday the 13.Water PoloWater-polo playoffs started, San Lorenzo Valley High boys hosted Harbor High on Tuesday night and lost 10-6. SLVHS girls, unbeaten league champions with a first round bye, avenged boys loss and beat Harbor 9-3 on Thursday afternoon. In the tournament championship game this Saturday they will face Stevenson at 3:30 p.m. at Santa Catalina.TennisScottsValley girls’ tennis team was unbeaten in the league. They played in the SCCAL finals at the Seascape Tennis Club this past Tuesday and Wednesday. The number 1 doubles team was the highest achiever in the tournament, with Desi Rakela-Elana Weingord claiming the league title by beating second seed, St. Francis High’s Katherine Casper-Meg Guild, 2-1. Both doubles and the whole Falcons team, league champions, made CCS finals, which will be played this Monday.Cross-CountryCross-country teams from both schools will run this Thursday, November 5, atSCCAL Meet at PintoLakeCountyPark in Watsonville, with JVs starting at 2:00 p.m., Varsity at 2:30 p.m., past our press time. We'll report the results on-line.Win NFL Tickets – Support SLV Athletics Boosters!Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers fans have a chance to win NFL tickets to the December 20game while supporting SLV Athletics Boosters. The raffle tickets for four Club Level Raiders game tickets are selling at all home football and basketball games. Cost: $20 per raffle ticket or $50 for 5 of them. You can also contact Athletic Director Mark Mercer at [email protected]. 

A Scotts Valley Middle School student is on her way to a national gymnastics competition.

When we think of winners in high school sports, we think of those athletes that overcome adversity and pull out a victory after falling down. On rare occasion an athlete will come along that goes undefeated.

After two straight failed attempts of placing atop the podium at the California Interscholastic Federation State Wrestling Championships, the third time became a charm for Danica Kelley.   The Scotts Valley High star senior wrestler turned her dream into a reality following a first place finish...

Aptos senior Anahi Macias was named the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League’s Player of the Year for the 2024-25 girls soccer season. The Mariners’ team co-captain finished with five goals and one assist.  Macias, the SCCAL’s reigning Defender of the Year, made the switch to...

A pair of Scotts Valley teens recently took their wrestling prowess to the national stage at the USA Wrestling ASICS/Vaughan Cadet and Junior Nationals tournament in Fargo, N.D.