Congratulations to the varsity football team for their 34-7 win over the Pajaro Valley Grizzlies and the JV team for their 45-0 win over Pajaro Valley. The varsity game was played at Cabrillo College at Carl Conelly Stadium. A huge crowd of Shark supporters came out to watch their football team will their way to victory.
The first half of the game was very close as Pajaro Valley's Omar Murillo scored the first points of the game. Shortly after Sharks Quarterback Derric Estrada-Haro connected with Conor Bagchee on a 52 yard touchdown pass. Bagchee added another score on the ground from 36 yards out before halftime to put the score at 14-7.
The third quarter is when the St. Francis offensive and defensive lines took over led by seniors Jerome Lumicao, Zach Estrada and Noe Madrigal. The Sharks scored twice in the 3rd quarter both on runs by Carson Cuzick. Cuzick teamed up with fellow Running Back Richie Martinez to grind out yards and wear down the Grizzlies. Martinez ended up leading the Sharks in yards with 124 yards on 12 carries. Cuzick had 8 carries for 47 yards with 2 touchdowns. Bagchee added a rushing touchdown in the 4th quarter to put the game away for the Sharks. Bagchee ended up with 3 touchdowns on the night as he had 2 carries for 43 yards and 2 catches for 86 yards. Ivo Lasich added a critical 3rd down catch. The Grizzlies defense keyed on Lasich all night as that left openings for Bagchee, Cuzick and Martinez. Quarterback Derric Estrada-Haro enjoyed a great night as he went 4-7 with 102 yards and a touchdown. He also had a huge run 18 yards that set up a touchdown by Cuzick.
Defensively the Sharks were stout all night as linebackers Andrew Ciandro, Josh Kovacs, Martinez, Tanner Putnins and Brandon Moakler made tackles all night as the D line soaked up blockers. Felipe Padia-Noriega, Ethan LoBue, Cuzick and Johnny Ceballos were great in that area. Martinez added an interception on the first series and returned it for 60 yards. Defensive backs Joseph Kovacs, James Young, Mario Velasquez, Bagchee, Lasich and Nathan Lee held the Grizzlies passing game to only 75 yards. Lasich also had a critically 4th and 1 tackle of the Pajaro Valley QB stopping a drive that the Sharks would then go down and score to go up 2 touchdowns.
The Sharks take on Greenfield next Friday night September 2nd. The game is a home game for the Sharks and will be played at Watsonville High School. The JV game starts at 5 pm with varsity kicking off at 7:30 pm under the lights. Come out and support your Sharks!