By Richard Paolinelli
MaxPreps.com
SAN MATEO - Aragon High School began its quest for a Central Coast Section Large School Division title against Piedmont Hills on Saturday and the Dons made a statement to next week's opponent, Menlo-Atherton during its 56-13 victory.
Menlo-Atherton may have ended Aragon's streak of four consecutive Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division titles, but when the two teams meet in this week's semifinals the Dons will be looking to upend the No.1 seeded team when it counts the most. Menlo-Atherton defeated Homestead 38-17 to reach the semis on Saturday.
Seta Pohahau scored three rushing touchdowns and one score on an interception return to lead Aragon to its largest margin of victory in a postseason contest since blanking El Camino 49-0 in 1999 and tied a team record for most points scored in a single game. It was also the Dons' seventh straight victory.
Pohahau also blocked a field goal attempt in the game.
In the other half of the division's bracket, defending section champion Palo Alto rolled to an easy 33-0 win over El Camino to advance to the other semifinal against North Salinas, who defeated Milpitas 30-20.
Bellarmine Avenges Loss
Just one week before, Serra High had ended Bellarmine Prep's dream of an undefeated season and a No. 1 seed in the Open School Division with a stunning last second victory.
But with a berth in the semifinals on the line this week, the Bells were not about to be denied, handing Serra a 20-19 defeat on a six-yard run for a touchdown by quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels with 1:29 left in the game.
Bellarmine (10-1) advances to take on No. 1 seeded Oak Grove (10-1), who defeated Archbishop Mitty 33-26 Friday. Last week, Serra shocked the Bells 24-20 with a touchdown with 11 seconds left.
In the other half of the bracket, Los Gatos applied the final blow to Palma's disappointing season, handing the Chieftains a 20-14 loss as Los Gatos advances to the semifinals to play Gilroy, 38-22 winners over Valley Christian.
Santa Cruz Upsets Seaside
Defending section Small School champion Seaside saw its hopes for a repeat title run end on Saturday as No. 6 Santa Cruz upset the No. 3 seed 17-7, snapping the Spartans six-game win streak. Seaside committed five turnovers, three coming in the fourth quarter alone.
Santa Cruz moves on to play Del Mar (11-0) who defeated Greenfield 37-14 in one semifinal while No. 1 Pacific Grove defeated Soquel 21-7 to advance to the other semifinal to battle Scotts Valley, 40-16 winners over Carmel.
Volleyball: No.1 Menlo Claims Section Crown
Playing one of its best matches of the season, Menlo School rolled to a 3-1 victory (25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 25-22) over Harker to capture the Central Coast Section Division IV championship for the second straight year on Saturday.
Menlo (27-9) had lost to Harker last month but easily avenged the loss when it mattered most.
Freshman Allie Frappier had 10 kills, including two criticalkills at the end of the second game.
