No. 13 Montwood football aims to rebound after rough 1-9 season

The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 13 Montwood. Practice began Aug. 3 for teams that did not have spring practice and began on Aug. 10 for teams that did have spring practice. The opening weekend for games is Aug. 27-28. Outlook for 2026 season Montwood has

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The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 13 Montwood. Practice began Aug. 3 for teams that did not have spring practice and began on Aug. 10 for teams that did have spring practice. The opening weekend for games is Aug. 27-28.

Outlook for 2026 season

Montwood has historically been one of El Paso'smost consistently successful teams.

Despite a tough season in 2025, the Rams could very well see a much-improved team. Montwood has a good core of offensive talent, more experience on defense, and depth across the board with 64 players on varsity.

As usual, District 1-6A is loaded with Eastwood, Eastlake, Pebble Hills, Coronado, Franklin and Socorro as the main challengers, but the Rams aren't far away from improving enough to make the playoffs.

A look back at 2025

The Rams were 1-9 with a 56-49 win vs. Socorro, but offense wasn't the issue. Montwood scored 30 or more points in six of the 10 games and was competitive in several games for long stretches.

How the offense shapes up

The Rams will lean heavily on running back Gene Palmer, wide receiver Miguel Esqueda and tight end Devin Sepulveda.

Palmer rushed for 561 yards and had 318 yards receiving in 2025. Esqueda caught 77 passes, and Sepulveda had 26 catches.

The offensive line will be led by Christian Villegas and Isaiah Rodriguez.

Montwood high school football running back Gene Palmer runs drills at afternoon practice on Aug. 13, 2025 at Montwood high school in El Paso, Texas.

How the defense shapes up

Linebackers Joel Baca and Elijah Rodriguez will be among the leaders. Big things are expected from defensive lineman Leroy Lutu and Cam Dominguez along with defensive back Andy Quintana.

What Montwood coach Ivan Rangel says

"We had a really good offseason and the start of fall camp has been good," Montwood coach Ivan Rangel said. "The kids have really worked hard and I'm excited to see this team develop."

What Montwood players Andy Quintana and Gene Palmer said

"All of us have worked hard," Quintana said. "In pre-district games, we need to work to start and finish games better to help us get ready for district."

Added Palmer: "We been putting in that work and we trust each other a lot more this year."