The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 11 Americas. 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
Americas should be solid once again under coach Noe Robles, who guided the team to a winning record in 2025. The Trailblazers are typically a very sound offensive line, always have a strong run game, and that should be the same this season.
The Trailblazers will face a stiff challenge in District 1-5A, Division 1, against Hanks, El Dorado, Parkland, Bel Air, and Horizon. But if the Trailblazers stay healthy and the defense is consistent, a playoff berth is certain.
A look back at 2025
The Trailblazers went
6-5 and lost to Lubbock Monterey in the bidistrict round of the Class 5A, Division 1 playoffs.
Americas had quality wins over Coronado, Hanks and Parkland, and competitive losses to El Dorado and Lubbock Monterey.
How the offense shapes up
The Trailblazers will have talented playmakers on offense, led by running back Maurice Edwards and wide receiver Christian Trejo. The offensive line will be led by Luis Andrade. Edwards is multi-faceted and can play several positions on the field.
How the defense shapes up
The Trailblazers will be solid on defense, led by defensive backs Cortez De La Fuente and Liam Esquivel, defensive end Max Estrada and linebacker Izaiah Amaro.
What Americas coach Noe Robles says
"We had a good offseason; we want to continue to build our program and continue to get better in every way," Robles said. "We have a competitive district and it's going to be a battle in every game."
What Americas players Izaiah Amaro and Luis Andrade said
"We've been working hard all season. I feel good about our team," Amaro said. "We can't take any team lightly if we are going to be successful."
Added: "Nothing will be given to us to make the playoffs. We put that work in to try and get better and get a playoff win."
Americas' 2026 schedule
- 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at Canutillo
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3 vs. Andress at SAC 1
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 vs. Montwood at SAC 1
- 7 p.m. Sept. 17 vs. Eastwood at SAC 1
- 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Del Valle
- 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 vs. Hanks at SAC 1
- 7 p.m. Oct. 16 vs. El Dorado at SAC 2
- 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22 vs. Horizon at SAC 2
- 7 p.m. Oct. 30 at Bel Air
- 6:30 p.m. Nov. vs. Parkland at SAC 2
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 11 Americas targets deeper playoff run with key returners in 2026
