The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 9 El Dorado. 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
El Dorado faces the challenge of matching the success of the 2025 team, which wondistrict and bidistrict titles.The Aztecs must replace running back Ryan Estrada, who signed with the University of Minnesota and receiver Jadarius Sanders, who signed with New Mexico State.
The Aztecs are solid across the board, and coach Frank Martinez and his staff have created a strong culture within the Aztecs program. The Trailblazers have plenty of talent to contend for a district title in 2026, led
by strong offensive and defensive lines and playmakers at the skill positions.
A look back at 2025
The Aztecs won the District 1-5A, Division 1 title, defeated Amarillo High in the bidistrict round of the playoffs and finished the year 10-2.
The Aztecs also had good wins vs. Andress and Montwood. The Aztecs suffered a 36-34 defeat to Eastwood and an area playoff loss to Richland High.
How the offense shapes up
Quarterback Brycen Booth will be looked upon to help lead the way. He passed for nearly 2,000 yards last season and threw the game-winning touchdown pass in the playoff win vs. Amarillo High.
Running back Kevin Samuel and receiver Zavyer Mathis will be leaned on to lead the way as playmakers. Noah Emelife will help lead the offensive line.
How the defense shapes up
Emelife, Moises Lopez and Jose Bustamante will anchor what should be a solid defensive line, while Mathis will play a major role at defensive back.
What El Dorado coach Frank Martinez says
"Brycen will step up and will play a bigger role for us. He's come a long way during his career with us," Martinez said. "The team is ready for another season and will give their best effort."
What El Dorado players Jose Bustamante and Brycen Booth said
"We had 2 Division 1 players leave, so new guys will need to step up and I'm confident about that," Booth said. "I feel like am better player as a senior and I've grown through the years. I like this team; we come together to compete every day."
Added Bustamante: "The team is dedicated and motivated. We lost some good players, but new guys are ready to step up."
El Dorado's 2026 schedule
- 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Coronado
- 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4 vs, Eastlake at SAC 2
- 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 vs. Del Valle at SAC 2
- 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Burges
- 7 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. Chapin at Irvin HS
- 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 vs. Parkland at SAC 2
- 7 p.m. Oct. 16 vs. Americas at SAC 2
- 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Bel Air
- 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. Hanks, SAC 2
- 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Horizon
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 9 El Dorado eyes repeat district title after losing 2 D-1 stars
