Gridiron Greats: On to the playo s

In the realm of rivalry games, if Holtville’s 42-7 thrashing of Calipatria in Friday’s Axe Game was rather anticlimactic, then that same night’s Bell Game between Central and Brawley was an example of what grudge match should be.

There were big plays, tough defense and a close score, 14-10 in favor of the Spartans. Yes, things got a bit ragged at the end, but it was certainly more fun than watching Missouri cough up a fourth-quarter lead at home to Kentucky the next day.

Although the regular season has ended, all but one (Southwest) of the Valley’s high school teams’ seasons have been extended at least a week with playoff berths.

Regular IVP contributor Tom Ronco over past few weeks has been trying to explain in a series here the counterintuitive logic behind awarding playoff spots. We’re just going to take his word for it and congratulate all the teams that are moving on.

This week we’ve selected six candidates for our 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.

Joey Ramos, Imperial

Ramos was Mr. Everything in Imperial’s 41-0 knockout of Palo Verde. The junior wide receiver scored four touchdowns in the Tigers’ victory, and he wasn’t particular in how he went about it. Two of his scores came on his six catches for 96 yards. Another was on a 3-yard run. The last was on a highlight-reel kickoff return of 86 yards.

Jose Devoux, Holtville

Well, duh! Devoux has been the centerpiece of the Vikings’ offense all season, so it shouldn’t be any surprise to find him on this ballot again. Last week against Calipatria, the sophomore running back carried 21 times for 150 yards and four TDs.

Tristan Smith, Southwest

The senior defensive back/wide receiver ended his football career at Southwest with a bang in the Eagles’ 18-9 victory over Calexico. Make that two bangs: One was a 75-yard pick-six, and the other was a 60-yard TD reception.

Tyrese Marsh, Central Union

Central scored two touchdowns against Brawley, and both of them were caught by Marsh. For the night, the senior wide receiver had four receptions for 123 yards.

Zachary Morquecho, Central Union

Morquecho was IVP contributing sports writer and Game of the Week announcer Murray Anderson’s pick for player of the game against Brawley, and it’s a fair argument. The senior defensive lineman was a force on defense, with nine tackles (seven solo). Three of the tackles were for lost yardage, including two sacks.

Thadeo Campbell, Central Union

Campbell made valuable contributions on both offense and defense against Brawley. Not only did he register two catches for 57 yards, the senior also picked off a pass and recorded eight tackles.