A number of teams, and players made some major statements in zero week, we look at who set the tone for a solid season.

Josh Fields, and Americas' defense shut down Del Valle

If there was any question about who the top player in the city is, Americas senior running back Josh Fields shut that notion down in the first half of the city's opening game of the high school football season on Thursday afternoon.

Fields had 74 yards rushing in the first half, and finished with 150 yards on the ground in true workhorse fashion via 34 carries.  He also added three catches for 35 yards.

But Amercias isn't just a one man show.

The Blazer defense led by FBS prospect Kolton Lindeman stymied Del Valle, and kept them from crossing the 50-yard line in the first half.  Their ability to put pressure on the quarterback was key as they harassed Del Valle sophomore quarterback Raymond Montez all afternoon, sending him to locker room early with an apparent shoulder injury.

Americas quarterback Cristian Estorga looked very suitable in replacing current UTEP defensive back Eric Foster under center and will improve as the season goes as the Blazers set a major defensive, and physical statement against Del Valle.

Patrick Melton is using the old school mentality of a solid running game, and stout defense mixed with Americas' overall physicality on both sides of the line of scrimmage which could be a major difference in the 1-6A race in 2016.

Is Canutillo back? 

They have a nasty defense, some speedy offensive weapons, and a game changing running back, but is Canutillo officially back on the map as a major contender?

Thursday's performance certainly looked like Scott Brooks' program could be rolling again as they dismantled Socorro 42-6.

The Canutillo defense, led by athletic defensive end Nathan Eggleton lived in Socorro's backfield all night, and held the Bulldogs to just a single first down in the first half.

The difference with this current Canutillo team could be the the infusion of elite speed in a number of spots, partially inside their balanced offensive approach.

A balanced offensive attack kept Socorro's stout front seven on their heels all night, as Aaron Moya ran for 94-yards on 22 carries.   Joseph Paz had himself a ball game, hauling in a 73-yard touchdown pass, intercepting a pass on defense, and forced a fumble.

The Eagles defense was sound, and disciplined as expected from a Canutillo squad, but the play making speed from Moya, Paz, and Javier Arellano makes Canutillo a legit 2-5A contender.

Parkland shows off plethora of talent

You might not be able to stop Parkland in 2016, and just hope to contain them.

Boasting what could be the deepest gallery of skill guys in the city, first year head coach Josh Kirkland sent a major statement across the city Thursday as they hammered Jefferson 53-8.

Sophomore running back Deon Hankins had a huge coming out party as a freshman, and ran for 231 yards on Thursday.  Senior Jacob Mendez is now being used as an H-back and added over 80 all-purpose yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Junior wideout Patrick Sullivan looks like a surefire 2018 FBS prospect racking up 157 yards receiving and three touchdowns.

The Matadors put up almost 600-yards of total offense, which could be a school record, and has veterans like Josh Wells, and Frank Kreigbaum on defense.

Renewed energy from Kirkland has the Mats looking like a major problem for 2-5A foes.

Pebble Hills arrives in style

What a way for Mark Torres to introduce his speedy Spartans to the varsity ranks.

A balanced offensive attack with a number of weapons, and a sound athletic defense helped Pebble Hills start their varsity football life 1-0 as they upended Irvin 34-6.

Big plays were a theme led by wideout Justin Wolfe who had 60-yards receiving and three receiving touchdowns.  Cameron Seabrook scored the first touchdown in school history on a 69-yard pass and catch, and running back Kevin Avarette ran for 105 yards.

Pebble Hills won't be lacking in the speed department this year, but their size and toughness will be tested once district play starts.

Either way, nice win for a budding program that seems to be building something fellow 1-6A schools should certainly take note of.

The Cedarious Barfield Show 

This week's game ball goes to El Dorado quarterback Cedarious Barfield who ran all over Eastlake Friday night in the SAC.

The flee-footed junior ran for 254 yards and four touchdowns, and oh yeah.....he also threw for 219 yards and a touchdown.

Most of Barfield's rushing yards came via designed runs---mostly draws up the gut--as he was a key difference maker between two El Paso High School powers.

Barfield set the tone on the Azetcs opening drive of the game, accounting for 70-yards on just three carries, finishing with an 11-yard touchdown run after a 59-yard draw up the middle set up his first score.

He had touchdowns runs of 11-yards, 18-yards, 52-yards, and a 30-yard touchdown run which sealed the game and put El Dorado up 45-27 at the midway point of the fourth quarter.

Barfield also found Jorge Hernandez in the middle of the endzone for a beautiful 30-yard touchdown strike for Aztecs third score of the night.

WIth Frenship coming into town next week, Eldo will need another stellar performance for the up-and-coming star in 1-6A.

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