Salinas-Aptos football

Friday's game
Salinas (7-2) at Aptos (6-2), 7:30 p.m.
 What the Mariners have is something you can't coach and that's confidence. This is a program that has won seven consecutive league titles and has beaten Salinas three straight times.
 Of course, this isn't the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League anymore. And Salinas has turned this year into a redemption tour of sorts in its 6-0 start in the Gabilan Division.
 Already scratched off the Cowboys list was ending a 15-year losing streak to Palma.
 Moving to the Gabilan Division was something Aptos wanted. And it's played like a program with title intentions, having yet to lose in league.
 In fact, the Mariners average margin of victory in the Gabilan Division has been 27 points. That is slightly higher than Salinas', who is beating opponents by an average of 25 points.
 Dating back to 2012, Aptos is 57-8 against teams in the Central Coast Section. Six of those losses have come from teams in the West Catholic Athletic League. The other two were to Palma.
 Marcos Reyes has been a workout in the backfield for Aptos with over 1,000 yards, including a 292 yard, four touchdown rushing effort last week against Monte Vista.
 Quarterback Brett Reade is chasing 1,000 yards as both a runner and passer, having compiled 18 touchdowns for Salinas. Jeff Weimer has 30 catches and eight touchdowns in just six games.
 Salinas' depth is evident in the fact that nine different players have produced touchdowns this fall, including two on defense.
 The second quarter has been big for the Cowboys, who have outscored opponents 121-14. Aptos has been consistent for four quarters all season.