Short schedule doesn’t skimp on quality play

Only four Valley football teams were in action this past weekend, and none of those played at home. But what was lacking in quantity was made up for in quality as three of the four — Calexico, Vincent Memorial and Calipatria — brought home convincing victories as souvenirs.

From those outstanding performances, we’ve selected six for this week’s Gridiron Greats ballot. Cast your votes at www.ivpressonline.com/gridirongreats.

The winner will be announced in Friday’s edition of the Imperial Valley Press.

Noland Ange, Calipatria

Ange played next man up in Calipatria’s 57-0 shellacking of O’Farrell Charter on Saturday. With primary ball carrier Kalin Sotelo hampered with a knee contusion, Ange scampered for 248 yards and five touchdowns on 12 carries.

Daniel Rizzo, Vincent Memorial

Rizzo came up big in Friday’s 32-7 thumping of Mission Bay. The senior running back carried 19 times for 161 yards and one touchdown.

Luis Estrada, Calexico

Estrada, a senior defensive lineman, helped keep Yuma’s Kofa High School Kings off the throne and out of the end zone with five tackles, including three sacks, in the Bulldogs’ 39-6 victory.

Freddy Beltran, Calipatria

Beltran was a two-way machine Saturday night against O’Farrell Charter. As a running back, he carried 10 times for 130 yards and a TD. When switching over to linebacker, he managed nine tackles, including a sack, plus a fumble recovery.

Baraquiel Fimbres, Vincent Memorial

The sophomore defensive tackle just keeps filling up the stat sheet. Friday against Mission Bay, Fimbres registered 13 tackles, including three sacks, and forced a fumble.

Luis Meza, Calexico

The Bulldog senior, making his first start at QB, completed 60 percent of his passes, including a touchdown throw, and carried the ball 14 times for 89 yards and one TD.