Scott Brooks took over a Canutillo High School football program in 1999 not knowing that in 2026, he'd be a legendary figure in El Paso.
But as the 60-year-old Brooks preps for his final season of coaching at Canutillo, he knows two things are certain: He'll coach this year's version of the Eagles as hard as he has his previous teams and he'll always take great pride in the teams he's coached and the relationships he's built.
"We've accomplished so much at Canutillo, but it's been a group effort," Brooks said. "Lots of great people have helped me. We're going to do our best to win another district title and be the best team we can."
The Eagles open Brooks' last season on Thursday, Aug. 27, at home vs. Americas in a non-district game. Canutillo
competes in District 1-5A, Division 2.
Scott Brooks by the numbers
Brooks is close to winning 200 games and needs just five wins in 2026 to reach that elite coaching milestone. He's won eight district titles at Canutillo and is the longest tenured coach in the football program at Canutillo, which had its first football season in 1960.
Under Brooks' guidance, the football program has had five double digit winning seasons in 2007, 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2022.
2014 state semifinal team: 'A great group'
The 2014 team will forever be remembered as arguably El Paso's most successful team, reaching the state semifinal in Class 5A, Division 2.
"The 2014 team was such a great group to be around and it had great chemistry," Brooks said. "Coaching my son Bo on that team was special. He had a great year. The team was fun to be around and gave such a great effort every practice and game."
Canutillo defeated Ysleta, San Angelo Lake View, Azle and Everman before falling to Ennis 41-13 in the semifinals.
Canutillo was close to meeting Eastlake in the quarterfinals to set up an all-El Paso affair, but Everman rallied late to beat the Falcons in the round before.
Ennis went on to defeat Cedar Park a week later for the state title on Dec. 19. On Dec. 12, Ennis defeated a worthy Canutillo team, 41-13, at Plains Capital Park in Lubbock, to end Canutillo's title hopes.
After losing to a really good Franklin team in the season opener, the Eagles rattled off 13 victories in a row.
Among the standouts were quarterback Javier Gomez, receiver Ben Galaviz, running back Andrew Alarcon, offensive lineman Jonathan Vogt, defensive back Bo Brooks, linebacker Jesse Velasco, defensive lineman Enrique Romero and defensive back Josh Gutierrez.
Canutillo's defense was known all year for its aggressive style and team play. In three of its four playoff wins, it allowed 10, 10 and 14 points. In the regular season, it shutout a good Chapin team and held a really good Andress offense to seven points.
“The coolest thing was the way the city of El Paso got behind us. People were waving to our buses out on Montana Avenue as we headed for Lubbock. It was special. Wherever we played, we had the biggest crowd there.”
Scott Brooks could join father, Don, with 200 wins
Scott's father Don Brooks spent 40 years at Coronado High and 35 of those years leading the Thunderbirdsas the head coach. He took El Paso Coronado High School to the state playoffs 21 times and the T-Birds to the state quarterfinals in 1979. Overall, Don Brooks won 228 games.
Brooks' final record as a high school coach was 228-147-3. Brooks won 11 games during a season twice in his career, in 1979 and 2009. The 1979 team finished 11-2 and the 2009 team was 11-1.
Don Brooks died in 2021 at the age of 79.
"My dad was a mentor and helped me so much as a person and coach," Scott said. "Reaching 200 wins and to be in that category with my dad would be something special and unique."
Scott began his career in the footsteps of his father at Morehead Middle School. He was only 32 when he got this Canutillo head coaching position.
Canutillo has 13 starters back from the 2025 season and the team has a solid group of skill players on offense and several playmakers on defense.
What former players Matt Carrasco, Rene Torres said about Scott Brooks
"I played for Coach Brooks from 2007-2009. Going into high school, I was intimidated by that man. Little did I know that I would soon grow to learn that Coach Brooks just wanted the best for his players," Matt Carrasco said. "He expected greatness, discipline, and 100% and I was honored to have suited up for him.
"That man taught me a lot about teamwork, about creating a family atmosphere amongst my teammates and maturing as an individual. He always looked out for his players and it’s always a joy to run into him around town and talk with one another."
Rene Torres, who played for the team in 2020, grew up dreaming of playing for Brooks.
"Coach Brooks had a tremendous impact on me, and it was a privilege to play for him," Torres said. "I remember my uncle talking about playing for him when he was younger and going to the games every Friday night, so coach was always an important figure in our community to me."
Brooks helped improve this football IQ, Torres recalled.
"I’ll never forget how hard coach was on me, especially when I made mental mistakes. At the time, I didn’t always understand it, but he always took the time to talk to me and explain why. He taught me the importance of preparation, mindfulness, and doing things the right way. He also gave me countless second chances and helped me grow as a person."
What current players Joziah Cardona and Javier Meza said about coach Brooks
"We want to finish strong for coach Brooks," Cardona said. "It's been an honor to play for him."
Added Meza: "Coach Brooks has coached a lot of my family and he's meant a lot to so many. We're his last team and we will do our best for him. Canutillo football means a lot to our community."
Scott Brooks coached BYU star running back LJ Martin
One of the many players Brooks is proud of is former Eagles running back LJ Martin, who is a star player at Brigham Young University. Martin's name has been mentioned as a possible NFL Draft pick in 2027.
"LJ is one of the greatest people you'll meet and he's worked hard to get to this point in his career," Brooks said. "It was great to coach him and he has represented our community in a positive way. Lots of great moments have happened here at Canutillo and it's been a great place for me to be at."
Martin was named to a 2026 preseason second team All-American by the Associated Press.
Martin ran for 2,137 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior in 2022 at Canutillo and for 2,737 yards as a junior.
"Coach Brooks is a great coach and supportive of all of us," Martin said in a 2023 interview. "The program is one of the city's best under him."
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: After 28 years at Canutillo, Scott Brooks prepares for one last run
