Watsonville's Nestor Marana carries the ball as Aptos defenders try to tackle him Friday. (Photo by Eric Anderson)

With an impressive offensive showing, the Watsonville High football team ended rival Aptos’ streak of seven straight wins in the Black and Blue Bowl.

The host Wildcatz pulled away in the second half for a 43-23 victory Friday night. It was the highest-scoring game between the two teams, which have played every year since 1969, with the exception of 1983. The previous record of 60 total points was set in Watsonville’s 32-28 win in 1985.

“It feels good to be the team to bring the Bowl home,” Wildcatz senior quarterback Jerry Alvarez said. “It’s a great feeling.”

Watsonville (2-1) celebrated after its win with the game’s trophy. Coach Tom Sullivan, in his fourth season, smiled as he held the trophy, saying, “I’ve never seen this before.”

Now, he’ll get a chance to see it as often as he likes, as it will be in Watsonville’s possession until next year’s game.

In the Wildcatz’s first two games, most of their offense came in the form of passes from Alvarez to speedy receiver Fernando Olivarez. But Aptos came prepared for Olivarez, double- and triple-teaming him and holding him without a catch.

That defensive strategy gave Watsonville other offensive opportunities, and it took advantage. Running back Tony Mora rushed for 129 yards on 20 carries and scored three short rushing touchdowns. Alvarez also had a big game on the ground, piling up 102 yards on 11 carries, with 83 yards coming in the second half.

In the first half, Alvarez did most of his damage with his arm, completing 10 of 12 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. For the game, Alvarez was 12-17 for 189 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

“We proved tonight that we can both run and pass,” Alvarez said.

“It’s a dangerous offense,” Aptos coach Jamie Townsend said. “It’s just really hard to prepare for.”

Sullivan said the offensive line had an outstanding game and gave credit to Olivarez for his willingness to serve as a decoy.

Aptos (2-1) was hurt by committing seven personal fouls. Two of those penalties cost the Mariners dearly in the first half, after which they trailed 21-14. A facemask penalty extended a Watsonville drive that resulted in a touchdown, while Zack Powell’s 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was called back due to a personal foul.

“Penalties really killed us, there’s no question about that,” Townsend said. “But (the Wildcatz) played really well, and I congratulate them.”

Watsonville led by just five points until it scored touchdowns after Aptos fumbled the ball away on consecutive drives. Mora scored on a 2-yard carry with 11:05 remaining in the game, and Alvarez followed by converting the 2-point conversion run, making the score 36-23. Then Mora scored on another 2-yard run with 6:56 left to put the game away.

Aptos got off to a good start when Josiah Brown scored on a 50-yard carry on the game’s fourth play from scrimmage. Watsonville, however, tied the score when Alvarez hit Nestor Morana for a 72-yard catch and run. The Wildcatz took the lead by a touchdown when Alvarez hit Morana with an 8-yard touchdown pass, but Aptos pulled back even when Powell scored on a 16-yard run. Mora scored on a 1-yard carry to put Watsonville ahead 21-14 with two minutes left. Powell then took the ensuing kickoff to the end zone, only for the play to be called back due to penalty.

Alvarez scored on a 19-yard on the first possession of the second half to give the Wildcatz a 28-14 lead. Powell, however, caught a 73-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit down to a touchdown, and after a Watsonville punt-snap miscue resulted in a safety, the Mariners trailed just 28-23. But the Wildcatz owned the fourth quarter.

“Aptos came to play and our boys came to play and it was a great game and a great evening for this community,” Sullivan said.



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