Holtville aims for back-to-back Imperial Valley League

HOLTVILLE, Calif. (KYMA) - In their first season back in the Imperial Valley League (IVL) in decades, the Holtville Vikings wasted little time establishing themselves as a powerhouse.

The Vikings captured the IVL title in 2025 and now enter the new season with their sights set on defending their crown despite the departure of several key contributors.

Among the biggest losses from last year's championship squad are running back Enrique Armas and quarterback Alonso Cuevas, both of whom graduated after helping lead Holtville to the league title.

Junior linebacker and running back Andre Gonzalez acknowledged the impact those players had on the program but believes the Vikings are prepared to move forward.

"They were really special, but like how I said, we have to move on," Gonzalez said. "Everything doesn't last forever, so I think we have a pretty good team right now."

Fortunately for Holtville, the coaching staff believes there is plenty of talent ready to step into larger roles.

"Those guys were special for us, but Kai, our quarterback, Andre, he's our linebacker and running back, we're expecting big things from him," assistant head coach Micah Harrison said. "And our offensive line, we’re hoping they can carry us through."

Senior quarterback and wide receiver Kai Gonzalez will be one of the leaders tasked with keeping the Vikings atop the league standings.

While the roster has changed, he believes many of the traits that fueled last season's success remain intact.

"The intensity we had last year," Gonzalez said. "We were a physical team, so that's something we're really working on with our conditioning. Always playing fast, getting the defense out of their rhythm, and then playing our own game."

Andre Gonzalez echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the team's chemistry and toughness.

"We were playing like a family," he said. "We were playing for each other, playing with our hearts, and we were really physical, so we’re trying to do the same."

The Vikings will face a different type of challenge this season with a schedule that includes opponents from outside the region.

Holtville opens the year on the road against the Ramona Bulldogs in San Diego, providing an opportunity to test itself against unfamiliar competition.

"We're from the Valley," Kai Gonzalez said. "The heat every single day, practicing in 115 [degrees]. Obviously going to San Diego and playing against them on turf is something great."

Later in the season, the Vikings will host Saint Pius X from Albuquerque, New Mexico, marking a unique matchup for both programs.

"It's pretty unique having a team from New Mexico coming out here," Harrison said. "It's a first for them, first for us, so that'll be exciting."

One of the most anticipated games on Holtville's schedule comes much closer to home. The Vikings host Yuma Catholic in Week 3 after defeating the Shamrocks 38-30 in Yuma last season.

"We know after last year they've had that game circled," Harrison said. "We're going to get their best shot, so we're going to have to bring our A-plus game because they're bringing theirs, and we know it's going to be tough."

Whether facing teams from neighboring Arizona, traveling to San Diego, or welcoming a program from New Mexico, Holtville enters the season with a clear goal in mind.

After taking the Imperial Valley League by storm in their return, the Vikings are determined to prove last season was no fluke and establish themselves as the standard in the IVL with a second consecutive league championship.