Senior quarterback Emilio Simbeck had an outstanding overall game to lead Menlo to a 26-21 win over visiting Scotts Valley in the Central Coast Section Division V semifinals.
Simbeck completed 18 of 29 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns and added 104 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries to lead the Knights (8-4), who advanced to the championship game. Menlo will take on top-seeded Gilroy (12-0), a 34-14 winner over Hillsdale, which competes in the same division as the Knights and lost 33-13 in their regular-season matchup.
Junior Kevin Chen led Menlo with 64 yards receiving and a touchdown and senior David Schmaier caught four passes for 41 yards and a score. Senior Landon Smith set team-highs with seven catches for 97 yards.
Scotts Valley (7-5) led 21-14 through three quarters, but Menlo scored the final 12 points of the game.
