-Editorial
Imperial High School captured its second consecutive Imperial Valley League football championship with a 42-30 victory over Holtville, finishing undefeated in league play at 4-0. The Tigers held off the Vikings in a high-scoring contest to defend their 2025 title and secure momentum heading into the CIF San Diego Section playoffs.
Quarterback Santonio Ureña led Imperial’s offense with passes to receivers Anthony Hellum Jr. and Trey Ruiz, while running back Deren Hueso contributed on the ground. Sixto Navarrete anchored the Tigers’ defensive effort as Imperial maintained its lead against Holtville.
Rodrigo Martinez led the Vikings’ offensive effort, keeping Holtville competitive despite Imperial’s scoring advantage. The Vikings finished the regular season 7-3 overall and 3-1 in Imperial Valley League play, placing second in the standings.
Both teams will continue their seasons in the CIF San Diego Section football playoffs, with first-round games scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.
Imperial, seeded seventh in Division II, will host No. 10 Patrick Henry, while eighth-seeded Holtville will host No. 9 Ramona in the same division.
In Division III, fifth-seeded La Jolla will host No. 12 Central Union High School.
Brawley, seeded 11th in Division IV, will travel to face sixth-seeded Westview.
Two additional Imperial Valley teams will compete in the Division V-AA quarterfinals. Seventh-seeded Calipatria will visit No. 2 Palo Verde Valley, while third-seeded Vincent Memorial will host sixth-seeded O’Farrell Charter.
CIF San Diego Section Playoff Matchups
Six Imperial Valley football teams will compete in the CIF San Diego Section playoffs beginning Friday, Nov. 6, with all games scheduled for 7 p.m. In Division II, No. 7 Imperial hosts No. 10 Patrick Henry, while No. 8 Holtville faces No. 9 Ramona. In Division III, No. 12 Central visits No. 5 La Jolla, while No. 11 Brawley travels to No. 6 Westview in Division IV. Division V-AA quarterfinals feature No. 7 Calipatria at No. 2 Palo Verde Valley and No. 6 O’Farrell Charter at No. 3 Vincent Memorial.
Division II and IV quarterfinals are scheduled for Nov. 13, followed by semifinals Nov. 20 and championship games Nov. 28 and Nov. 27, respectively. Division V-AA semifinals are set for Nov. 13, with the championship scheduled for Nov. 20. The six Imperial Valley teams will compete for CIF San Diego Section titles across four divisions.
