Imperial Tigers Remain Valley’s Only Undefeated Team After 10–7 Win Over Central

EL CENTRO — In one of the most anticipated games of the season, two of the Imperial Valley’s best schools, the Imperial Tigers and the Central Spartans, went head-to-head Friday night. Both entered the field undefeated, but only one would remain perfect. When the final whistle blew, Imperial emerged victorious with a narrow 10–7 win, securing their status as the valley’s only unbeaten team.

Windy conditions challenged both teams throughout the evening, with gusts reaching between 25 and 30 miles per hour during the game, according to timeanddate.com. Despite the conditions, both sides showed resilience in a contest that lived up to the hype.

Central struck first when #4 Emiliano Morales intercepted an Imperial pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, giving the Spartans an early 7–0 lead. Imperial quickly answered as quarterback #3 Gio Robles connected with a receiver on a slant route for a touchdown, tying the game 7–7 by the end of the first quarter.

A highlight moment came when #7 Matthew Lizaola broke through the defense with a strong run from Central’s 40-yard line to Imperial’s 40 before being forced out of bounds, drawing loud cheers from the Tiger crowd.

The second quarter saw several dramatic plays, including a long touchdown by Robles that was called back for an ineligible man downfield and a pick-six by #9 Joshua Garcia that was nullified by a penalty for a push in the back. Both defenses held firm, and the game remained tied 7–7 through the third quarter.

With just 21 seconds left in regulation, #26 Lucas Mora who is also a member of the Imperial Tigers boys soccer team, delivered the game-winning field goal, giving the Tigers a 10–7 lead and sealing the victory.

“I’m feeling really excited right now. I’m happy to win for the team, I’m happy they believed in me to kick the field goal, and I’m just really happy,” said Mora after kicking the game-winning field goal to defeat Central. “You know, I do this every day, reps after reps, and it shows today,” he continued.

After a hard-fought game against Imperial, Central head coach David Peña shared his thoughts on the team’s performance.

“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Spartan community and family,” said Central head coach David Peña. “Tonight our team played a tough, physical, mental and emotional game against a good Imperial team. While the outcome was not what we wanted, I could not be more proud of this team for the fight they showed the whole game.”

The Tigers now improve to 7–0 and will host Calexico on Friday, October 10. Central, now 6–1, will look to bounce back as they prepare to face Holtville next week.

Valley Sports Network sideline reporter Isabella Santiago contributed to the story.