A crosstown rivalry between Pioneer Valley High School and Santa Maria High School will decide the winner of the CIF Central Section Division 2 boys soccer championship on Saturday, Feb. 25th.
The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Santa Maria's Ralph Baldiviez Stadium. Pioneer Valley 14-3-7 and Santa Maria 18-7-4, have played each other twice this season with Santa Maria winning the first match 3-1 and tying the second 2-2. Both teams have already qualified for State Regionals by making it to the Division 2 CIF Finals.
“There has never been a more important game between the two crosstown rivals,’’ said Saint Athletic Director Dan Ellington. “Both schools will promote the highest level of respect and sportsmanship. This game will be a reflection of our Santa Maria community. We are looking forward to a highly competitive game between two of the best teams in the Central Section. We are all very proud of our boys.‘’
Panther Athletic Director Anthony Morales agreed, “On behalf of PVHS athletics & our PVHS community, we are very proud and excited for our PVHS men’s' soccer team to have this opportunity to compete for the CIF Div. II Championship (first time in school history). Most importantly, we are excited to play Santa Maria HS in a friendly neighboring cross town rival athletic contest. Both schools will be representing SMJUHSD with good sportsmanship & pursuing victory with honor.’’
SMJUHSD Media Contact: Public Information Officer Kenny Klein 805-709-1454 or kklein@smjuhsd.org
