The Claw

Returning from bi-week with a fury, Head Coach David Poetzinger is proud of his Varsity players for stepping up to the plate in their game versus Scotts Valley. The Scotts Valley Falcons, a team that has been doing well this year, bit off more than they could chew when facing off against the SLV Cougars at San Lorenzo Valley High School on Saturday the 2nd. Expecting total domination, the Falcons were less than pleased when the Cougars gave them a run for their money in the first half of the game. Although pulling back for the win, 50-19, the Falcons left the field with their feathers ruffled.

Varsity unfortunately suffered another loss to the Soquel Knights on Friday the 8th. The Knights sword and armor proved to be too much for the Cougars, who were defeated 45-0 despite their best efforts. This leaves Varsity’s track record 1-8 with their final game against the Aptos Mariners taking place on Saturday the 16th.

Despite facing one of the more strenuous and demanding seasons in SLV Football history, Varsity has held their heads high and played their best every time they stepped onto the field. “Even though this hasn’t been the best year of football for me, it will remain one of my favorite. Everyone did their absolute best to work as a team and even though we had our fair share of mistakes, our teamwork really showed throughout the season.” says star running-back and Varsity team captain, Kjell Johnson, who goes on to commend his coaches and teammates as being, “ . . . like a second family who just really likes to smack you around.” Kjell Johnson, currently a senior, is still exploring his options when looking at Colleges, but is determined that wherever he ends up he will continue to play the game he grew to love at SLV.

With the season coming to a close, everyone is encouraged to come watch the Cougars final game on Saturday the 16th at 2pm. The game will be played on the Cougar’s home turf at San Lorenzo Valley High School.

Junior Varsity is going all the way. Continuing to amaze at every turn, JV is fighting to the last second in each of their games. Still undefeated, 9-0, their hard work and dedication is impressive to say the least. Overcoming huge obstacles, like Edison High (19-13) and Scotts Valley (38-20), JV has proven themselves to be the dominant predator of the season. Gripping the ball with claws of steel, they have relentlessly worked their way to the end zone game after game after game.

Their most recent victory over the Soquel Knights was no exception. Functional, fearless and fierce, JV players have formed on of the most successful and hardworking teams seen at SLVHS. “It has been an amazing year for all of us, and we are all looking forward to returning next year for Varsity with the same passion and dedication we played with this time around,” says offensive player Nick Salibi, who along with Brighton Hart and Davon Northcutt, are recommended by Head Coach Kirk Jennings as the kids to watch in the coming years.

It has been an amazing year for all of us, and we are all looking forward to returning next year for Varsity with the same passion and dedication we played with this time around.

The Junior Varsity team, while experiencing a truly amazing season, has not forgotten their responsibilities as students of SLVHS and has been working hard both on and off the field to bring pride to the school. Their final game will be played at 10:45am on Saturday the 16th on their home field against the Aptos Mariners.