Prep Football: Holtville Claims Desert League Crown with 42-18 win over Calipatria

HOLTVILLE — It was a historic night for Holtville football as the Vikings secured both the Desert League championship and their fourth-ever undefeated regular season with a commanding 42-18 victory over Calipatria in the annual Axe Game Thursday at Birger Field.

The Vikings (10-0, 3-0) showcased their versatile offense, alternating between their "heavy" eight-linemen formation and spread attack to keep the Hornets (7-2, 2-1) off balance throughout the contest. Holtville junior running back Enrique Armas, who finished with 103 yards rushing and three total touchdowns, broke free for a 53-yard run before punching in the first score from five yards out, while junior quarterback Alonso Cuevas connected with Raul Breno and Brandon Terrell for scoring strikes through the air.

Holtville wasted no time asserting control, driving down the field on their opening possession with Armas punching in the game's first score. The Vikings built a commanding 28-6 halftime advantage, highlighted by Cuevas finding Breno for a touchdown and Armas adding another score just before the break.

The Hornets showed fight in the third quarter, opening the second half with an impressive drive capped by Jordan Potter's touchdown run to cut the deficit to 28-12. However, Holtville responded immediately with Terrell hauling in a touchdown pass from Cuevas off play-action to regain momentum.

Potter provided a late highlight for Calipatria with an electrifying 38-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Vikings' balanced attack that has now outscored opponents 490-60 this season.

"Holtville played very consistent tonight," said color commentator Mike Swearingen during the livestream. "There were spurts where Calipatria showed what they could do, but they lacked the consistency needed against a team of this caliber."

The victory extends Holtville's winning streak to 17 games dating back to last season's CIF-San Diego Section Division V-AA championship run. The Vikings have now won eight straight Axe Games, improving to 13-2 in the rivalry since its 2009 inception.

The Vikings now turn their attention to the CIF San Diego Section playoffs, where they are expected to receive a first-round bye. Despite the loss, Calipatria remains well-positioned as the top-ranked team in Division 5AA as they head into the postseason.