Soledad football

 A lot has changed for the Aztecs since a pair of humbling losses to open the season.
 No doubt, the pressure to defend a section title was weighing on those that returned. Perhaps this unit wasn't emotionally prepared for the challenge.
 Camaraderie among a group, though, goes a long ways in restoring confidence. I'm not sure that was in place when the season began.
 An argument can be made that it came together two weeks ago when the Aztecs battled back from a 17-point deficit to beat Alisal in the final seconds.
 So when adversity struck Soledad with the loss of arguably its best offensive weapon in Emmanuel Ortega to a shoulder sprain in the first quarter, the team didn't wince.
 Staring at a 14-point deficit in the second half,  the Aztecs didn't use the next man up strategy, rather lets do this as a team.
 Robbie Santa Ana's two touchdown runs in the second half triggered a wild 23-21 comeback win over Carmel. Yet, after the game, the senior quarterback sent out a message.
 "It wasn't just me, it was a team effort,'' Santa Ana said.
 While I wouldn't say the two straight losses to open the season have been forgotten, Soledad has put together a three-game winning streak.
 Remember, last year it dropped its first two before going 10-1. That one setback was to Carmel, who the Aztecs gained a measure of redemption from Friday.
 The target on Soledad's back isn't going away. Neither is the confidence that as a team, it controls its fate.