What's trending in El Paso high school football: El Paso High ends playoff drought

The high school football playoffs are here with the bi-district round on Thursday and Friday in El Paso. Here is a look at what is trending.

Drought is over for EPHS

For the first time in nine years, the El Paso High Tigers are in the playoffs after earning fourth place in District 1-5A Division II. The Tigers have come a long way under coach Ray Aguilar, now in his third year. One of the Tigers' best wins this year came in non-district play came against Gadsden (N.M.), a playoff team in New Mexico and a winner of its first playoff game last week. And there's some talent at EPHS in the lower levels, so expect the Tigers to continue to compete for playoff berth for a while.

Can Canutillo have repeat success?

The Eagles have been a power under coach coach Scott Brooks with multiple playoff wins in 2013, 2014 and 2021. The 2014 team advanced to the Class 5A Division II semifinals.

This year, the 8-2 Eagles won the District 1-5A Division II championship and earned a home game in the bi-district playoffs with Amarillo Palo Duro on Thursday. Once again, the Eagles are talented on defense, have a good run game and have experience to have success in the playoffs.

QB Evan Martinez one to watch

The Ysleta Indians earned the final playoff berth out of District 1-5A Division I this year with a win against Hanks last week. One of the key players this season has been sophomore quarterback Evan Martinez, who has thrown for more than 1,100 yards and rushed for more than 400 yards and is the son of coach Joe Martinez. He's certainly one to keep an eye on in the coming years at Ysleta.

Can Pebble Hills turn the tide?

Odessa Permian has won 22 of 24 playoff games against El Paso teams through the course of history with Ysleta and El Dorado the only teams teams to earn a win. The Indians beat Permian, 31-21, in 1960 and El Dorado edged Permian, 34-33, in 2012. Bel Air nearly won in 1965, losing 14-7, Coronado and Permian tied 14-14 after regulation but Coronado lost on penetrations in 1975 and El Dorado lost 10-7 in 2009.

Pebble Hills enters Friday's game with Permian at 9-1, the same as the Panthers and Pebble Hills is seeking its first playoff win. The Panthers will lean on a strong run game and solid defense to try and pull out the win.

Del Valle finds success in bi-district

The Conquistadores are 13-9 in bi-district playoff games since their first playoff showing in 1999. On Thursday, they'll face Abilene High at home in what is sure to conjure up memories for the Del Valle faithful. In 2002, Del Valle defeated Abilene, 14-10, in the area round to advance to meet DeSoto in the regional round.

More: Players to watch in HS playoffs Making an impact: 10 El Paso high school football players to watch in state playoffs

Felix F. Chavez can be reached at 915-487-2580; fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso High ends playoff drought, hoping to become regulars