The nightcap of Thursday night’s doubleheader at the SAC provides an interesting matchup of two teams from District 2-5A that are looking to build off of positive momentum. Bel Air picked up their first win of the season against Riverside, while Eastlake had a chance to rest and recover after a bye week. The last time the Falcons played at the SAC, they put up 60 points in one of the most entertaining games in El Paso so far this year.
Bel Air enters Thursday’s game with a 1-4 overall record, but they have played arguably the toughest schedule in the city so far with games against Chapin, Eastwood, Canutillo and Parkland. 2016 hasn’t been kind to the Highlanders, but they’re hoping to get things turned around this week with their running game. Andrew Chaffino has had a nice season so far for the Highlanders, but they also have versatile weapons in Bijan Byrd and fullback Marco Sanchez. Quarterback Isaac Ybarra is also a threat to run, so look for the Highlanders to use ball control to try and spring the upset.
As for Eastlake, quarterback Keith Tarango-Lopez is the leader of the offensive machine that has put up 110 points in its last two games. The dual-threat quarterback also has a number of talented playmakers to go to, including running back Eric Fierro, and receivers Emilio Rios and Ivan Avina. The Falcons like to go up-tempo and will look to exploit a Highlander defense that has already faced several good offenses this season.
The Highlanders are trying to get themselves back into playoff contention in District 2-5A and a win over Eastlake would be a big step forward. The Falcons are looking to get over .500 overall, but more importantly, improve to 3-0 in District 2-5A. A win over the Highlanders would further solidify their spot as one of the top teams in 2-5A along with the Canutillo Eagles so far this season.
