The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 8 Hanks. Practice began 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
Hanks has made the playoffs in two of the previous three years and that is again the expectation this season.
Hanks moves over to District 1-5A, Division 1 from Division 2 and will be among the favorites to win district along with El Dorado, Parkland and Americas.
The Knights return 17 starters from last season and this could be the best team in the tenure of coach Scott Veliz's career, which is his fourth season.
A look back at 2025
The Knights had a strong season with a 6-5 record and quality wins vs. Canutillo, Irvin and Burges. The Knights had competitive
losses to Americas and Andress. The Knights lost to Amarillo Duro in the playoffs.
Last year's winning season gave the Knights three straight winning records for the first time in nearly two decades.
How the offense shapes up
The Knights will be led by veteran quarterback Jordan Morales, who threw for 2,577 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2025. Morales will have a solid core of receivers to throw to, including Alex Robles, Lyam Araujo and Josh Cortez.
Running back Austin Deucher returns after rushing for more than 1,600 yards in 2025 and the team has a strong offensive line led by Jesus Garcia, Emir Zambrano and Daniel Ponzio.
How the defense shapes up
Hanks' linebacking crew is strong, led by Johnny Swartz, Joseph Ybarra, Kristian Barrios and Austin Freres. Swartz can also play defensive end.
Safeties Demarco Unger and Brandon Sanchez will also be counted on as leaders and Joaquin Lopez gives the team depth at defensive tackle.
What Hanks coach Scott Veliz says
"We have lots of experience and that helps us so much. Our kids know what to expect and they are ready for this year's challenge," Veliz said. "We are in a tough district. It'll be a challenge for us."
What Hanks players Jordan Morales and Alex Robles said
"We know what we can do, we have lots of leadership and our mentality stays the same. We go game by game," Morales said.
Added Robles: "I like the energy we bring every day. I feel confident and we have the same goals as previous years. We just have to keep working hard."
Hanks' 2026 schedule
- 7 p.m. Aug. 27 vs. Montwood
- 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at Bowie
- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 vs. Pebble Hills at SAC 1
- 7 p.m. Sept. 18 vs. Ysleta
- 7 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. Canutillo
- 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 vs. Americas at SAC 1
- 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Horizon
- 7 p.m. Oct. 23 vs. Parkland
- 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. El Dorado at SAC 2
- 7 p.m. Nov. 6 vs. Bel Air
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: With 17 starters back, No. 8 Hanks poised for big 2026 season
