Dandy dozen: 12 high school football games to watch in El Paso in 2023
The high school football season begins Aug. 24 across Texas. Here is a look at games to watch in El Paso during the 11-week regular season. High school football practices begin July 31 for teams which did not have spring practice and Aug. 7 for teams which had spring practice.
Thursday, Aug. 24
Canutillo vs. Pebble Hills
Last season, Pebble Hills won the District 1-6A title and a bi-district playoff game, and Canutillo won the District 1-5A Division II title and advanced three rounds deep in the playoffs. This year, both teams will be good again and will contend for their respective district titles. Canutillo will feature arguably the state's best defense and Pebble Hills features Gael Ochoa, a UTEP commit and quarterback.
Friday, Sept. 1
San Angelo Central vs. Montwood; Rio Rancho (N.M.) vs. Eastlake
A second week doubleheader at the SAC could give two District 1-6A teams a look at how the rest of the season will go. Montwood entertains San Angelo Central, a possible District 2-6A playoff team and Eastlake will entertain New Mexico power Rio Rancho High in a rematch of a game the Falcons lost, 13-7, last season in Rio Rancho.
Friday, Sept. 8
Pebble Hills at Eastwood
Last season both teams proved to be the top two teams in District 1-6A and the argument can be made about the two teams this season. Each team has high quality talent on both sides of the ball.
Friday, Sept. 15
Del Valle at Canutillo
Del Valle and Canutillo face off in a nice non-district contest, which features two of the best programs in the city on a yearly basis.
Friday, Sept. 22
Eastlake vs. Americas
Eastlake faces off with Americas in what should be an important matchup that will likely have playoff implications.
Friday, Sept 29
Montwood at Franklin
Montwood visits Franklin in what could be another big District 1-6A clash. Both teams have talented offensive players and this could be a high scoring affair.
Friday, Oct. 6
Del Valle at Parkland
Last season, Parkland and Del Valle squared off in a close battle, which Del Valle won to secure the District 1-5A Division I title. Del Valle is the favorite entering the season but don't be surprised to see a game effort from Parkland once again.
Thursday, Oct. 12
Andress at Canutillo
Andress and Canutillo face off in a key District 1-5A Division II matchup. Canutillo is the favorite to repeat as the district champion but don't expect to see Andress give Canutillo fits.
Friday, Oct. 20
Canutillo vs. Chapin at Irvin HS
Chapin's standout Daveon Singleton burst onto the scene last season at quarterback and will be for any defense to to contain. If the Huskies want to win the District 1-5A Division II title, Singleton will need to be at his best in this game. The Eagles boast one of the best defenses in Class 5A.
Friday, Oct. 27
Franklin at Eastwood
Franklin visits Eastwood in a battle of two of the best quarterbacks in the city in Franklin's Shay Smith and Eastwood's Evan Minjarez.
Friday, Nov. 3
Bel Air at Del Valle
Bel Air visits Del Valle in what could be the battle for the District 1-5A Division I title. The Highlanders have seen improvement under coach Eric Scogin and the improvement could lead to a chance to win a district title.
More: El Paso D1 players on rise Recruiting El Paso: Local high school football players on Division I radars
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 12 El Paso high school football games to watch in 2023
