SALINAS VALLEY — Last Friday, the host Soledad Aztecs saw a 19-0 lead cut to 19-7 at halftime and were unable to slow down the visiting Monte Vista Christian Mustangs in the final two quarters in the 34-27 setback.
“We started out well with a plan to run the football,” said Aztec head coach Eric Rodriguez. “While we were able to score and run the ball like we wanted to, Monte Vista put together some nice drives that we could not stop late in the game. We will continue to run the ball and help our young team build some confidence. With divisional play coming up, we want to be ready for that part of the season.”
The Aztecs built the 19-0 lead with first quarter touchdowns on a 37-yard run by quarterback Daniel Valenzuela and a 12-yard run by Daniel Garcia. Marcos Negrete made one of his first PATs.
Gio Gallegos scored on a one-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter, but Soledad was unsuccessful on a two-point conversion. The Aztecs held the 19-0 advantage until the Mustangs got on the scoreboard with a five-yard pass play from quarterback Evan Vessey to Boston Ashe with 5:46 left in the first half.
Monte Vista then stopped the Aztecs and finished the first half with a three-yard scoring run by Max Arce. Julian Pizarro kicked both PATs as the Mustangs cut the Soledad lead down to 19-14 to end the first half.
Vessey had three passing touchdowns in the second half to three different receivers. Early in the third quarter, Vessey threw a 30-yard touchdown to Jordan Ramirez as the Mustangs took the lead at 21-19 after a PAT by Pizarro.
Soledad regained the lead at 27-21 as Gallegos scored on a five-yard run and added a two-point conversion run. Monte Vista took the lead for good at 28-27 with a nine-yard pass from Vessey to Ashe. In the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, Vessey threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Enzo Owens. Pizarro was successful on his two final PATs and the Mustangs (2-1) held on for the 34-27 victory.
Soledad finished with 269 rushing yards and 41 passing yards. Daniel Garcia led the Aztecs in rushing with 120 yards on 12 carries, and Gallegos ran for 89 yards on 26 carries. Valenzuela was five of 14 for 41 passing yards and rushed for 49 yards on three carries.
On Saturday, Soledad continues non-league play against Scotts Valley (3-0) in a 2 p.m. game.
GREENFIELD & GONZALES
Greenfield Bruins fell to 0-3 in non-league play as they lost 28-0 to Scotts Valley at home on Friday night.
Travis Ryan led the Bruins with 20 rushes for 115 yards. Defensively, Nisael Gonzalez led Greenfield with 6.5 tackles and two tackles for loss. Angel Hernandez added 5.5 tackles and three tackles for loss, and Ryan added five tackles and one tackle for loss.
The Bruins will play at San Lorenzo Valley on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Gonzales had a bye week after losing their third game to Templeton, 35-0, on Sept. 12. The Spartans (0-3) will next play at Seaside on Friday.
