The 2026 high school soccer season has been one of redemption for the Franklin girls team.
While the 2024 and 2025 seasons saw the Cougars make the playoffs, the team came short in winning a District 1-6A championship.
This season has been different as the Cougars played well throughout the 12-game district schedule and won the district title with an 11-1 record. The successful season earned the Cougars a home game in the bidistrict round of the Texas UIL playoffs on either March 19, 20 or 21.
The only blemish was a 2-1 loss to Pebble Hills in Tuesday’s regular-season finale.
Who are some of Franklin’s top players
Strikers Isabel Ramiresz and Scarlett Orwig have combined for 26 goals this season. Orwig scored her 15th goal of the season on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper Sofi Souici has been steady for the Cougars on defense, and midfielders Kristen Vidal and Paulette Prochovnik have provided steady play.
What Franklin coach Victor Valle said
“Our senior leadership is tremendous,” said Valle, who has won three district titles in his five years as head coach. “We have eight seniors, who helped lead the way in practice, in the weight room, in team activities. Our team has fought hard all season and been consistent.”
What Franklin players Isabel Ramirez and Scarlett Orwig said
“There have been lots of highs and it’s been fun,” said Ramirez of this season. “We’re more of a family this season.”
Added Orwig: “We’ve stepped up and we’re all really close. Our team chemistry is great and the seniors hope the younger players look up to us and continue the success.”
Pebble Hills with strong season
Tuesday’s 2-1 win for the Spartans pushed their district record to 9-3 and they will be in the Texas UIL playoffs, which begin on March 19. The Spartans got goals from Megan Mukiibi and Camila Aveytia.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchaveptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Franklin girls soccer team finds redemption, wins district title
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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