Editor’s Note: The El Paso Times continues its high school football countdown with No. 24 Mountain View. Practice began Aug. 3 for teams that did not have spring practice and begins on Aug. 10 for teams that did. The opening weekend for games is Aug. 27-28.
Outlook for 2026 season
The Lobos return 17 starters from the 2025 team, which was finding its stride at the end of 2025. The Lobos have good skill players on offense and a strong offensive line, which will give the offense a chance to be really good.
The defense has the potential to be better, but consistency will be the key. The Lobos are in Class 4A, Division 2 and will be right in the hunt for the district championship with Irvin, Clint, Bowie and Fabens.
A look back at 2025
The Lobos went 3-7 in 2025, but won their final two games of the season against Bowie and San Elizario. The Lobos also picked up a win vs. New Mexico’s Santa Teresa High School.
How the offense shapes up
Mountain View will be led in part by quarterback Gerry Gandara, who passed for 1,907 yards in 2025. Wide receivers Ruben Castro and Ethan Nevarez will be two of his top targets and offensive lineman Isaac Valadez will help anchor the offensive line. Nevarez could also see time at running back.
How the defense shapes up
The defensive line will be led by Luis Salas, Hugo Bueno and Eddie Hernandez. Linebacker Danny Garcia and defensive back Ryan Cicero give the defense two key playmakers.
What the Mountain View coach DJ Check says
“We have a good group returning and we had a good offseason,” Check said. “We feel like we can build off some of the good things we accomplished at the end of last season.”
What the Mountain View players Gerry Gandara and Ruben Castro said
“We finished strong last year, and hopefully we can build on the momentum for this coming season,” Gandara said. “We have more experience and we have worked hard to get better over the spring and summer.”
Added Castro: “We have a good connection that we have built in the summer and that will help us. We have a good group of returnees with experience.”
Mountain View’s 2026 schedule
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes; @Fchavezeptimes on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 24 Mountain View eyes district crown with 17 starters back
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
