Zay’s Top 10 High School Football Rankings Ahead of Week 2

By UTEP Zay 

Canutillo and Pebble Hills kicked off high school football in the El Paso area with an instant classic last Thursday at the SAC, with the Spartans coming out on top 24-21 thanks to a game winning field goal by Aaron Ortega. Going into week 2, here are MY top-10 rankings for high school football in the 915. 

1. Pebble Hills (1-0) 

The Spartans fended off a late Canutillo comeback and hit a game winning field goal to improve to 1-0 and hold their number 1 spot. Their QB and UTEP commit Gael Ochoa looked very athletic and used his legs a lot, totaling over 140 yards on the ground. Running back Zereian Quarles looked good as well, and the Spartans ground game looked like a well-oiled machine all around. They get a test against Del Valle this week, in what is our 915 Tours Game of the Week. Pebble Hills dominated a good Del Valle team last year and will look to do the same on Friday.

2. Franklin (1-0) 

The Cougars avenged their week one loss from last year against NM powerhouse LC Centennial, beating the Hawks 29-17. QB Shay Smith, who has offers from multiple division 1 teams, threw for over 250 yards and 3 touchdowns. RB/LB Jordan Morales also looked solid for the Cougars. In a stacked district 1-6A, being able to beat a perennial powerhouse team during the non-district is huge. The Cougars have some early season momentum.

3. Del Valle (1-0) 

The biggest question surrounding Del Valle this offseason was who would replace star QB Jesse Ramos. They found their guy in sophomore QB Jake Fette. The Conquistadores dominated Burges last week and have a chance to pull off a huge upset over #1 Pebble Hills this week. The two teams met last year as well, in what was supposed to be a close matchup. However, the Conquistadores disappointed and fell 50-13. Now, they have a chance at revenge.

4. Eastwood (0-1) 

The Troopers fell to powerhouse Southlake Carroll (70-21), which is something they should not worry about. QB Evan Minjarez looked solid against one of the best teams in the state, which is a positive. They get to host Las Cruces High, who fell to Americas last week. This should be a tune-up game ahead of their huge district 1-6A matchup against Pebble Hills.

5. Canutillo (0-1) 

The Eagles almost upset the No. 1 Pebble Hills Spartans, but a game-winning field goal ended their upset bid. QB Jeremiah Knox looked steady against a tough Pebble Hills defense, as he went for 209 total yards and 3 touchdowns. Their defense at times looked suffocating. They have a chance to get back on track against a good Coronado team, fresh off beating Chapin in week 1.

6. Americas (1-0) 

The Noe Robles era in East El Paso got off to a great start after the Trailblazers traveled 45 minutes north to Las Cruces to take on Las Cruces High. The Trailblazers dominated 44-19. Mark Moore, the Trailblazers' 3-year starter at quarterback, impressed in the win, finishing with 157 yards through the air and 67 yards on the ground. Americas has perhaps the best run game in the city, led by the dynamic duo of Cam’Ron Johnson and Brian Promesse. Johnson had 149 rushing yards on only 10 carries and will be one of the best backs in the city.

7. Parkland (1-0)

Despite Parkland losing a bulk of their production from last year, the Matadors traveled to the SAC and took down a good El Dorado team. The Matadors took advantage of the Aztecs not playing their star RB Ryan Estrada, and slowed the El Dorado offense down. WR Fabian Cervantes had a great game against the Aztecs.The Matadors will look to start 2-0 against Austin this weekend.

8. Bel Air (1-0) 

Noah Moreno led the Highlanders in their 60-0 rout over Irvin. With weapons like Chris Davis and Mark Mukiibi, the Highlanders once again can capitalize on an easy start to their schedule and look to knock off Parkland and Del Valle.

9. Eastlake (1-0) 

Eastlake continued their yearly tradition of having a stout defense, shutting out Andress in northeast El Paso last week, 33-0. I’ll be the first to admit, I had my doubts about Eastlake. But with their experienced quarterback Luke Lomeli at the helm, the Falcons can be contenders in 1-6A.

10. Ysleta (1-0) 

Ysleta beat their rivals Riverside for the first time since 2019. Evan Martinez and Deandre Jackson will be a connection to watch out for this season, as Martinez found Jackson twice for a couple of long TD’s, and sophomore Martin Castro ran for 105 yards. Ysleta is going to be a force and can contend for a playoff spot.