The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 15 Parkland. Practice began Aug. 3 for teams that did not have spring practice and began on Aug. 10 for teams that did have spring practice. The opening weekend for games is Aug. 27-28.
Outlook for 2026 season
Parkland will compete in a strong District 1-5A, Division 1, alongside Hanks, El Dorado, Americas, Bel Air, and Horizon.
The Matadors will be young in spots and could start four sophomores, according to coach Leigh McWhorter.
The Matadors have the potential to take a step or two forward in the program, but they’ll have to improve quickly against a tough non-district schedule that features Canutillo, Riverside, Franklin and Hobbs, New Mexico.
A look back at 2025
The Matadors finished 3-8 and lost in the Class 5A, Division 1 playoffs to Amarillo Tascosa. Parkland picked up wins vs. Bel Air and Riverside and was competitive in losses to Ysleta, Coronado and Americas.
How the offense shapes up
The Matadors have talent on offense, led by quarterback Aiden Nunez and running backs Carter Perez and Krystian Martinez.
Also expect contributions from Jeremiah Beach and Rah’Ki Jones, players who could see time on the field in various capacities.
How the defense shapes up
Perez and Martinez at defensive, and Armando Colon at linebacker, are expected to have big seasons.
What Parkland coach Leigh McWhorter says
“We have a team, which worked hard leading up to the season and they will give their best effort each day,” McWhorter said. “We have good young players and they’ll contribute.”
What Parkland players Carter Perez and Krystian Martinez said
“We are way more bonded, more connected; we don’t back down,” Perez said. “To be more successful this season, I feel we have to be more of a family.”
Added Martinez: “It’ s a whole different team this year with all the work we have put in and the brotherhood we have created.”
Parkland’s 2026 schedule
7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Riverside
7 p.m. Sept. 4 vs. Hobbs (NM)
7 p.m. Sept. 11 vs, Canutillo
7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Franklin
7 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. El Paso High
6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 vs. El Dorado at the SAC 2
7 p.m. Oct. 16 vs. Bel Air
7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Hanks
7 p.m. Oct. 30 vs. Horizon
6:30 p.m. Nov. 5 Americas at SAC 2
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 15 Parkland may start 4 sophomores in bid to improve on 3-8 season
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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By Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
