The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 3 Pebble Hills. Practice began Aug. 3 for teams that did not have spring practice and on Aug. 10 for teams that did. The opening weekend for games is Aug. 27-28.
Outlook for 2026 season
The Spartans weren't far off from being District 1-6A champs in 2025and were a tough, gritty team.
Pebble Hills should be solid again on defense with an aggressive style of play. Look for the Spartans to be better on offense this season and if that is the case, they will be in the hunt for the district title once again.
The Spartans have developed a winning culture and have become one of El Paso's most consistent winners.
A look back at 2025
The Spartans finished 7-4 overall and went 4-2 in District 1-6A. The Spartans had quality
victories vs. Canutillo, Midland High, Americas and Eastlake. The Spartans had close losses to Eastwood and Franklin and were competitive with San Angelo Central before losing in a playoff.
How the offense shapes up
The Spartans should be talented on offense, led by veteran quarterback Joe Fernandez and veteran receiver LJ Bailey. Fernandez threw 23 touchdown passes in 2025 and Bailey caught nine touchdown passes.
Running back Zephaniah Noon is primed for a big season and will be tough for defenses to stop and Gianni Ponce could be a major target for Fernandez in the passing game. On the offensive line, look for Edward Samalot to be a leader.
How the defense shapes up
Bailey and Daveon Sullivan will be leaders in the defensive backfield. At linebacker, Jaime Ortega and Jose Ambriz are playmakers, and the defensive line is paced by Jaden Frasier and Omar Jaquez.
What does Pebble Hills coach Ryan Warner says
"We have a strong group of players back and the team looks to build on the positives of last season," Warner said. "We did some really good things in our scrimmage vs. Del Valle and we play a tough non-district schedule that will help us get ready for district."
Pebble Hills has been successful in short history
Since going 2-8 in its first year of varsity football in 2016, the Spartans have had five winning seasons and a playoff victory vs. Odessa Permian.
Pebble Hills' 2026 schedule
- 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Midland High
- 6:30 p.m. Sept. 3 vs. Chapin at Irvin HS
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 vs. Hanks at SAC 1
- 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Odessa Permian
- 6:30 p.m. Sept 25 vs. Montwood at SAC 2
- 7 p.m. Oct. 1 Eastwood at SAC 2
- 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 vs. Eastlake at SAC 1
- 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 vs. Coronado at SAC 1
- 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at Franklin
- 7 p.m. Nov. 5 vs. Socorro at SAC 1
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 3 Pebble Hills eyes District 1-6A title with stronger offense
