Editor's Note: The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 26 Jefferson. Practice begins 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 Silver Foxes are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Jefferson has solid veteran leadership and a more manageable non-district to get ready for the rigors of Class 5A, Division 2 vs. the likes of Chapin, Del Valle, Canutillo, Burges and El Paso High.
Among the non-district games are Bowie, Irvin, Horizon and Fabens.
Jefferson's success will hinge on whether it can be more consistent on offense, stay healthy and be more aggressive on defense.
A look back at 2025
The Silver Foxes defeated
Southside rival Bowie and lost a two-point game to Fabens.
How the offense shapes up
The Silver Foxes will be anchored by quarterback Davion Arnette, running backs Isaac Flores and Edgerin Vega, receivers Luis Martinez and Angel Maltos and offensive linemen Dilan Bautista and Keifer Guerrero.
How the defense shapes up
On defense, Arnette will also be counted on at middle linebacker to lead the way. Arnette will be joined at linebacker by Chris Espinoza, Robert Resendiz and Nathan Garcia. Bautista, Nicolas Rossini and Angelo Acosta will help anchor things up front.
What Jefferson coach Tony Martinez says
"I feel really positive about the upcoming season. We have a good core of players returning and they remain positive," Martinez said. "I like our pre-district schedule and I think that will help us get ready for district."
What the Jefferson players Davion Arnette and Nicolas Rossini said
"I feel very confident, I feel we'll do a lot of great things," Arnette said. "The non-district schedule will help us a great deal for district play."
Added Rossini: "I'm expecting lots of greatness this season. We have been working hard and I've seen lots of dedication."
Jefferson's 2026 schedule
- 7 p.m. Aug. 28 vs. Bowie
- 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at Austin
- 7 p.m. Sept. 11 vs. Irvin
- 7 p.m. Sept. 18 vs. Fabens
- 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Horizon
- 7 p.m. Oct. 2 vs. Chapin at Austin HS
- 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 vs. Canutillo
- 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at El Paso High
- 7 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. Del Valle
- 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Burges
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 26 Jefferson eyes breakthrough season behind experienced core
