831PrepBeat

Aptos High’s defense recorded a pair of interceptions, including senior lineman Alexander Bjorn’s pick-six in the second quarter, and the Mariners’ football team posted its first shutout of the season, 42-0 over North Salinas on Thursday night at Trevin Dilfer Memorial Field.

The Cardinals were rewarded by league coaches for their Mission Division dominance: Jack Bacon was named Lineman of the Year and Qwentin Brown was named Offensive Player of the Year. Soledad’s Daniel Raso was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Soquel High’s football team made all the big plays in the second half of its showdown with North Salinas to rally past the Vikings 36-27 on senior night Saturday. And all of them were needed, as the Knights overcame deficits of 20-0 in the second quarter and 27-14 at halftime. 

Santa Cruz High’s defense — which allowed 19 total points in its first four games — wasn’t its usual, highlight reel producing self when it took the field at Rabobank Stadium on Friday night.