Nine nods in final week
The 11th and final week of the regular football season was filled with a number of thrilling victories and history-making games for a number of local programs.
Each of the eight teams were able to finish their seasons in the Imperial Valley, with Southwest High winning the Imperial Valley League crown and Vincent Memorial winning the Manzanita League title.
Other big wins include Central Union High defeating Brawley Union High in the annual Bell Game and Holtville High mounting an exciting comeback to take back the Axe from Calipatria high.
These games resulted in nine nominees for the final voting period
Readers can cast their votes for Gridiron Greats beginning at 8 a.m. today. Voting concludes at 2 p.m. on Thursday.
Vote at www.ivpressonline.com/gridirongreats
The winner will be announced in Friday’s print edition of the Imperial Valley Press.
Emilio Abizaid, Vincent Memorial High
The Vincent Memorial High football team captured the Manzanita League title after toppling Mt. Empire 41-7 on Friday night.
Helping the Scots to the win was sophomore starter Emilio Abizaid. Abizaid had 28 rushing yards on eight carries and 47 receiving yards on two catches, including one touchdown catch.
Carlos Contreras, Holtville High
The Holtville High football team executed a thrilling come-from-behind win to recapture the Axe from Calipatria High after losing it to the Hornets last season. Helping the Vikings close the season with a win was Carlos Contreras.
On defense, Contreras had 14 total tackles and four solo tackles on the night.
Justin Cordova, Southwest High
The Southwest High football team finished the regular season with a 10-0 record after handling Calexico High 63-0 on Friday night.
Helping the Eagles to win was senior Justin Cordova. Cordova had 100 rushing yards on eight carries and also recorded a 16-yard rush touchdown on the night.
Andres Garcia, Central Union High
For the first time since 2009, the Central Union High football celebrated a victory over Brawley Union High in the Bell Game after defeating the Wildcats 22-15 in Friday night.
Helping the Spartans to the win was Andres Garcia.
The senior paced the Spartans on defense after he finished with 14 total tackles, including nine solo tackles on the night.
Diego Hernandez, Imperial High
The Imperial High football team snapped a three-game losing streak after defeating Palo Verde Valley 52-18 on Friday night.
Leading the Tiger defense in the win was senior Diego Hernandez. Hernandez finished with 15 total tackles, including 13 solo tackles and three sacks for a total loss of 18 yards.
Brandon Hueso, Imperial High
Brandon Hueso helped Imperial High close out the regular season with a whopping 58-12 win over Palo Verde Valley on Friday.
The senior running back had a total of five touchdowns on the night and totaled 183 rushing yards on 16 carries for the Tigers.
Deniro Osuna, Central Union High
The Central Union High football captured an exciting 22-15 win over Brawley Union High in the 74the annual Bell Game on Friday night.
Helping Central in the effort was sophomore quarterback Deniro Osuna. Osuna was 15-of-19 on the night and totaled 226 yards in the effort and also had two passing touchdowns.
Andy Pascual, Holtville High
The Holtville High football team fought to end its season with a win after recording a 27-20 come-from-behind win over Calipatria High on Friday night.
Senior starter Andy Pascual had a solid performance in the game rushing for 55 yards on 14 carries and scoring one rushing touchdown, while also recording 10 tackles on defense.
Reece Quintero, Southwest High
Southwest High had a solid 63-0 victory over Calexico High to earn its 10th win of the season.
In the effort, junior running back Reece Quintero had a strong performance, rushing for 91 yards on nine carries.
Quintero also had two rushing touchdowns from 15 and 5 yards out.