Soledad football

 It wasn't a section title. Or a league championship, which has become an expectation in Soledad.
 But it sure felt good for the Aztecs, particularly for the seniors that have endured the punishment of a winless season.
 A win always feels good. Yet, what made Soledad's first victory even sweeter is it came against the team that started this skid last year in the playoffs in Scotts Valley.
 And it came in dramatic fashion when Richie Urquidez lumbered 12 yards for a touchdown with 22 seconds left in a 20-14 decision.
 "We're better than our record says," first year coach Eric Rodriguez said. "The seniors are the ones that have been effected the most."
 It was senior Gabriel Florez setting up the game winning touchdown with a 40 yard run on second and 38. It was Florez and Jacob Olivas scoring touchdowns earlier in the game.
 There will be no postseason this fall for the Aztecs. So yeah, a celebration was warranted after the win.
 Gone is the eight game losing streak that dates back to last year. Gained over the course of the fall has been experience for players forced to grow up sooner than expected.
 "Our preseason was brutal in terms of injuries," Rodriguez said. "Some of our younger kids grew up Friday night. The kids never stopped believing. So I must be doing something right."
 Now the objective is to finish strong and take that momentum into next season.
 "It's been tough," Rodriguez said. "I've aged a few years this season. But we know how to win here. Now it's a matter of building off this and moving forward."