By Zach Hewett
“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” — Gustav Mahler
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The story of the 2024 Aptos Mariners Varsity Football team begins with an understanding of their journey.
In November 2023, legendary coach Randy Blankenship retired after 50 years in the game.
With over 300 career wins and nine section championships, his contributions to Aptos football were unmatched.
However, Blankenship’s final season was far from the storybook ending many had hoped for. The 2023 Mariners finished 2-8, plagued by close heartbreaking losses.
Casey MacConnell races to a touchdown versus Palma.
The Class of 2025, which formed the senior foundation of the 2024 team, had talent but struggled to close out tight games. Over three seasons, the group compiled an 8-22 record, including 10 losses decided by a single score. Determined to rewrite their narrative, they approached the 2024 season with renewed focus and determination.
When new Head Coach Zach Hewett stepped in following Blankenship’s retirement, he immediately recognized the hunger and resolve within the team. Starting in January, the Mariners committed to a complete transformation, building strength, unity, and confidence through early morning workouts, team-bonding sessions, and shared experiences.
The season opened with the Santa Cruz County jamboree, where Aptos faced Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, and San Lorenzo Valley in scrimmages. As a member of the Gabilan Division of the PCAL—one of the region’s most competitive “A” leagues—Aptos showcased its readiness, dominating the scrimmage periods.
The first official game came on Aug. 30 against The King’s Academy of Sunnyvale, a playoff contender the previous year. After a defensive struggle in the first half, the Mariners found their rhythm and secured a 34-7 win, aided by some fortunate breaks. A tough 41-19 loss to Archbishop Mitty followed, but the Mariners rebounded with decisive victories over Watsonville (25-0) and Seaside High School (67-6). Senior Ryan Solorio delivered special teams’ fireworks, returning a kickoff for a touchdown against Watsonville and a punt for a score versus Seaside.
At 3-1, the Mariners entered the rigorous Gabilan schedule with momentum. However, back-to-back losses to San Benito and Monterey evened their record at 3-3.
The Aptos Football Seniors come together after their final game.
The turning point came in a dramatic 34-31 win over Palma, powered by Solorio’s 107 rushing yards and touchdowns from seniors Nate Garcia (three TDs), Casey MacConnell, and Dylan Guisado. That momentum was short-lived, as powerhouse Salinas High delivered a 56-7 loss on Senior Night. Aptos ended the regular season with a thrilling victory against Everett Alvarez, secured by sophomore River Cook’s walk-off field goal, before falling to Soquel High in the finale.
With a 5-5 record, the Mariners earned fourth place in the Gabilan Division and an automatic berth in the CCS playoffs.
Their first-round matchup in the Division 3 bracket was against undefeated No. 2 seed Willow Glen. Despite an early surge from Willow Glen, the Mariners exploded in the second quarter with three long touchdown runs from Deric Moren, Gavin McDonald, and Casey MacConnell. Willow Glen closed the gap to one score in the third quarter, but the Mariners’ resilience prevailed in a 47-35 victory, punctuated by MacConnell’s three interceptions.
The second-round challenge came against Palo Alto High School, a storied “A” league program. Battling through heavy rain, the Mariners’ offense thrived, scoring six times in a 49-35 upset. The game’s highlight came on a touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Solorio to receiver Moises Torres, who displayed incredible body control to stay inbounds as time expired in the first half. MacConnell returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown, extending Aptos’ lead and helping seal the victory.
The win propelled Aptos to the CCS Division 3 Finals against Carmel High School. Known for their toughness despite being a smaller school, Carmel featured University of Alabama-bound offensive lineman Jackson Lloyd and a dynamic roster of skill players.
Aptos entered the game with hopes that their physical, grind-it-out style would wear down Carmel’s two-way players. The first half stayed competitive, with senior running back Dylan Guisado punching in two first-quarter touchdowns, followed by scores from Damian Suchil and Solorio. Carmel led 34-28 at halftime, but turnovers in the third quarter swung the game decisively. Carmel pulled away, ultimately handing Aptos a 62-35 loss.
The 2024 Mariners’ season may not have ended with a championship, but their legacy is one of growth, perseverance, and unwavering belief in one another. Overcoming a challenging schedule and a history of close losses, they played with passion and determination, forging bonds that strengthened the traditions of Aptos football. Their efforts set a standard every future Mariner team will strive to meet.
In every sense, the 2024 Mariners preserved the fire.
TOP PHOTO: The Aptos High School Varsity Football Team thanks the fans after the Black & Blue Bowl vs Watsonville.