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The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 1 Eastwood. 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
Eastwood heads in the season expected to be a District 1-6A title contenderonce again after winning in 2025.
The Troopers have several veteran playmakers on offense and the offensive line is solid. On defense, the Troopers could be even better this season.
Eastwood was consistent in 2025, and that will need to be the case again in 2026. District 1-6A is very competitive and the Troopers will need to play at a high level to secure back-to-back district titles.
A look back at 2025
The Troopers finished 10-2 overall and went 6-0 in District
1-6A. The Troopers defeated Frenship in the bidistrict round of the playoffs and had quality regular season wins vs. Pebble Hills, Eastlake, Franklin, Chapin El Dorado and Odessa High. The team's only two losses were to Byron Nelson and St. John's Bosco.
How the offense shapes up
The Troopers should be strong on offense with several key returnees back. Starting quarterback Kingston Jeffries will be back to help guide the offense. Bentley De Vries is a capable quarterback if needed, but he will also be a top target for Jeffries at receiver, along with Jordan Nava. Running back Matthew Ramirez gives the Troopers a leader at running back and offensive lineman Jordan Escarcega will anchor the offensive line.
How the defense shapes up
Eastwood returns key pieces on defense, led by defensive back Noah Williams and linebackers Zacary Adams and Andrew Jackson. Expect Andrew Flanagan to help the team on the defensive line.
What does Eastwood coach Julio Lopez says
"We are excited for this season with the key returnees back and some talented newcomers," Lopez said. "We had a really good fall camp and saw improvement. We know we have a tough schedule and our district will be tough as well."
What does Eastwood players Kingston Jeffries and Zacary Adams said
"I'm super excited for this season and hungry for more wins," Jeffries said. "The coaches have prepared us well. We know we have a tough district, but we are confident."
Added Adams: "I like our physicality and energy on defense. To repeat this year as district champions, we just have replicate last year and focus one game at a time."
Eastwood's 2026 schedule
- 7 p.m. Aug. 28 vs. Bel Air
- 7 p.m. Sept. 4 vs. Canutillo
- 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Corner Canyon (Utah)
- 7 p.m. Sept. 17 vs. Americas at SAC 1
- 7 p.m. Sept 25 vs. Eastlake
- 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1 vs. Pebble Hills at SAC 2
- 7 p.m. Oct. 9 vs. Coronado
- 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Franklin
- 7 p.m. Oct. 23 vs. Socorro
- 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 vs. Montwood at SAC 1
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 1 Eastwood eyes repeat as District 1-6A football champ
