Sports

First-year Soledad varsity football head coach Eric Rodriguez watched nervously as the host Palma Chieftains got more and more efficient throughout last Friday’s game at the Salinas Sports Complex. Unfortunately for Rodriguez and his Aztecs team, the Chieftains could not be stopped and downed Soledad by a 52-6 tally.

Adrian Lopez of Soledad was named last week to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State small school second team as a pitcher.

Soledad High quarterback Robbie SantaAna and King City’s Clay Barbree were selected as major award winners in the Mission Trail Athletic League’s All-League football team.

The beginning of March means baseball and softball teams at local high schools are finishing up non-league games and getting ready to start the league seasons.

A 19-4 third quarter run by Soledad High changed the momentum of a close game against King City and earned the visiting Aztecs a 59-42 victory.

With five runners in the top six places the King City varsity boys cross country team easily won their division at Saturday’s Jackie Henderson Memorial Invitational hosted by North Monterey High School in Castroville. King City scored 17 points to easily defeat second place San Benito with 66 points. Soledad High placed fifth in the division.

Boxers from the San Ardo and King City Boxing Clubs took the first five places at Saturday’s 25th Annual Bradley Bulldogs 10K and 5K Fun Run and Walk.

Cross country dual meets have been eliminated this season as the newly formed Pacific Coast Athletic League has opted to run Center Meets with the new divisions competed in various venues.

A first-ever Mission Trail Athletic League title in girls basketball brought tears of joy, huge smiles, and countless hugs on Friday for the champion Soledad girls team, their coaches, and their families.

The Gonzales Major Little League Dodgers completed a great season with a 21-5-1 overall record for a second place finish in the California District 9 Tournament of Champions.