Editor’s Note: The El Paso Times continues its 2026 high school football countdown with No. 20 Bel Air. Practice began Aug. 3 for teams, that did not have spring practice and begins on Aug. 10 for teams that did have spring practice. The opening weekend for games is Aug. 27-28.
Outlook for 2026 season
One of the best players in school history returns to be head coach for the Highlanders. Ariel Famaligi, who graduated from BAHS in 1998, went on to play for UTEP as an offensive lineman, graduating in 2005.
Famaligi has had a successful high school coaching career, including a stint as the Montwood HS coach from 2016-22.
He replaced Gary Recoder, who left after two seasons.
Bel Air will lean on what should be a solid offense in 2026, but if the Highlanders are going to make a run for the playoffs, the defense will need take a major step forward after struggling in 2025.
The Highlanders are in a tough district with El Dorado, Americas, Hanks, Parkland and Horizon.
A look back at 2025
The Highlanders went 2-9 with wins vs. Big Spring and Irvin. The Highlanders were competitive in losses vs. Eastlake, Socorro and Parkland. Bel Air had some big scorning games, including 27, 33, 50 and 63 points.
How the offense shapes up
The Highlanders are poised to have a olid offense behind quarrtterback Angel Dominguez, wide receiver Marquette Beard, running back Jayden Lopez and tight end Derek Ortiz.
How the defense shapes up
The Highlanders will depend on some of their talented offensive players to also contribute on defense. Beard will be counted on at defensive back, Ortiz and Danteh Garnica give the team good size on the defensive line and Lopez will contribute at linebacker.
What Bel Air coach Ariel Famaligi says
“I’m excited to be back at my alma mater,” Famaligi said. “I’m really excited to work with this team and see our hard work pay off. The team has put in lots of time and hard work.”
What Bel Air players Angel Dominguez, Jayden Lopez and Derek Ortiz said
“Coach Famligi has been harping on pride and discpline,” Dominguez said. “We have to fight to earn a playoff berth this season, nothing will be handed to us.”
Added Lopez: “We have high expectations, we are a team to watch out for.”
Added Ortiz: “What happened in past is something we can forget about. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I love the coaches and our team.”
Bel Air’s 2026 schedule
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 20 Bel Air banks on new coach, potent offense for 2026
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
