The Calexico Bulldogs football team made the short trip to Holtville to take on the Vikings at Birger Field on Friday night. In an enthralling down-to-the-wire matchup, it would be Holtville who would come out on top, 29-28.
The Bulldogs, who came into this matchup 3-1, and ranked #5 in CIF-San Diego Section Division V, were mostly powered by the connection between junior quarterback David Esquer and senior wide receiver Pedro Cruz all night long with two long touchdown passes (51-yards and 30-yards). Sophomore running back Andres Castro ran in for the two-point conversion to put Calexico within one-point of Holtville with 59 seconds left in the game.
The Vikings, who came into this matchup 4-0, and ranked #3 in CIF-San Diego Section Division V, were led by quarterback Spencer Hilfiker and senior running back Payton Iten. Holtville cashed in on two extra-points which were instrumental in their victory.
Calexico will have a bye next week, but will return to play on October 1st to open up the IVL season against the reigning IVL champion Central Spartans at Ward Field in Calexico. Holtville will also have a bye next week, and will return to play September 30, when they play host to the Imperial Tigers in the I.V. Classic.