Prep Football team previews: Imperial Tigers
IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Imperial Tigers eye IVL crown after hot start. Two weeks in, the Imperial Tigers have already made a statement.
A 49-6 rout of Vincent Memorial pushed them to 2-0, but for head coach David Shaw, the wins are just part of a bigger picture.
"When the kids take ownership of the team, obviously we're here to guide them, but when they're invested, you can really see the difference," Shaw said. "We really like what we’re seeing right now.”
The Tigers believe they have the depth and balance to make this season special. From running back Deren Hueso, who has already become a breakout scoring threat, to a wide receiver group led by Mario Gaxiola, Gio Robles, and sophomore T.J. Ruiz, defenses are finding it difficult to key in on just one playmaker.
Ruiz says that versatility makes the offense especially dangerous.
"Sometimes I know they'll go to Deren or Mario and that ends up leaving me open," Ruiz said. "They can’t cover all the players at once, so it just ends up working out."
Behind that firepower is a veteran offensive line that has given the Tigers both protection and consistency. Senior Jordan Malek said the group takes pride in being the unsung heroes.
"You may not get the credit, you may not be scoring touchdowns…but those plays don't happen without us. Communication is strong and we work well as a unit," Malek said.
On the defensive side, senior lineman Ezrah Favila believes Imperial has the tools to control the trenches throughout league play.
"It's definitely a step up from before, but I think the IV is ours this year," Favila said. "We're always focusing on different techniques at practice, and we always feel prepared."
That confidence is grounded not just in talent, but in chemistry. Players describe the team as a brotherhood, one that pushes each other through long practices and shines brightest under the Friday night lights.
"High school football is the best thing ever," Ruiz added. "It's fun to get that brotherhood and fight with your friends. Not many people get to experience this, and I'm blessed to do it in front of our Imperial community."
The Tigers still face a tough schedule, with league rivals and a season-ending clash with Holtville looming. Shaw says that game is already circled.
"I just remember as a kid Holtville being our biggest rival," Shaw said. "Their coach (Jason Turner) and I are good friends, and it's going to be fun to compete against them in the last game of the season."
With momentum, depth across the roster, and a young core stepping up early, Imperial sees 2025 as an opportunity to bring another Imperial Valley League title back home.
