Editor’s Note: The El Paso Times continues its high school football countdown with No. 25 Horizon. Practice began Aug. 3 for teams that did not have spring practice, and practice begins on Aug. 10 for teams that did have spring practice. The opening weekend for games is Aug. 27-28.
Outlook for 2026 season
The Scorpions will be in a new district this season in Class 5A, Division 1 and head coach Omar Garcia likes his team a great deal. Garcia believes the team has good chemistry and is prepared for a run at the playoffs.
The Scorpions will compete in a district with El Dorado, Americas, Hanks, Parkland and Bel Air.
Horizon has some good pieces on both sides of the ball, but the two keys will be to generate momentum going into district with a successful non-district and to be more consistent on defense.
A look back at 2025
The Scorpions earned a win vs. Jefferson and were competitive in losses to Burges, El Paso High, Socorro and Hanks.
How the offense shapes up
The Scorpions have their fair share of skilled players on offense. Running back Isaiah Aguilera, quarterbacks Mauricio Payan and Damian Zuniga, receivers Andres Vaquera and Jose Castillo and tight end Marcos Avila will help lead the way.
The offensive line will be led in part by Alexzander Cordero and Jesus De La Cruz.
How the defense shapes up
Vaquera and Avila give the defense playmakers at defensive end, De La Cruz and Cordero will lead the defensive line and Castillo will be a leader at defensive back. Payan could also see time at defensive back.
What the Horizon coach Omar Garcia says
“I really like this team and the energy it brings,” Garcia said. “We have developed a strong bond. We’ll face a new challenge in a new district, and we have a good non-district schedule that will help us develop.”
What the Horizon players Isaiah Aguilera and Alexzander Cordero said
“We’ve been putting in the work,” Aguilera said. “We’re very excited for the new district. I’m excited to see where we are at. It’ll be important to do well in pre-district to get momentum going into district.”
Added Cordero: We have size and good strength. The new district is a good challenge. We have to work as a team to make the playoffs.
Horizon’s 2026 schedule
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: No. 25 Horizon face new Class 5A district test after 1-win 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
