Despite replacing a lot of key players on both sides of the ball, 2016 was expected to be another playoff year for the Eastwood Troopers. The Troopers got off to a promising start, beating Midland Christian and rival Bel Air. Then, quarterback Seth Ochoa went down with a torn ACL at Odessa Permian and was done for the rest of the year.
As Eastwood progressed through their season in District 1-6A, the Troopers still had an explosive offense, but were just not able to quite get it done in close situations. Eastwood finished 3-4 in district and lost those four games by a total of 15 points.
With the season now over, head coach Julio Lopez is looking to lead Eastwood back to the playoffs like he did in his first season. After dealing with a young team, Lopez hopes that a year of varsity experience makes a difference for his team.
Key Losses
QB Evan Aguilar, TE Ryan Barnhouse, DE Chase Warden, OL David Ash
Evan Aguilar filled in very well for Ochoa. His dual-threat ability made defenses have to plan around his power running style. His leadership kept the Troopers in the playoff hunt until the end of the season.
Ryan Barnhouse may not have put up the eye-popping numbers (378 yards, 3 TDs) but he was another player teams had to account for. He also was a reliable blocker that gave Ochoa and Aguilar time to do what they do best.
Speaking of blocking, David Ash was also a stabilizer on that offensive line. Ash recently participated in the Blue-Grey All Star Game and the Greater El Paso Football Showcase and his departure leaves a void for Lopez and his staff to fill in.
Finally, Chase Warden put some impressive numbers his senior year. The defensive end finished 2016 with 73 tackles, 35 quarterback hurries, 9 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Teams had to account for where 43 was on the field and his pass rushing ability will be a big loss for the Troopers.
Key Returners
QB Seth Ochoa, RB Noah Rios, WR Robert Minjarez
On defense, the Troopers will need someone to step up, but Lopez has to be feeling good about what he has coming back on offense.
That conversation starts with Seth Ochoa. In his two-plus games of action, he showed just what kind of dual-threat he could with 846 yards in two full games plus one quarter of the Odessa Permian game. He makes the high-powered Trooper offense go and is a true difference maker on the field when healthy.
Ochoa has plenty of weapons to turn to next season, especially running back Noah Rios. The rising junior got some great opportunities in his first season on varsity finishing with more than 1100 yards of total offense (909 rushing, 229 receiving). Rios was on a hot streak to end the season in his final three games (494 yards, 6TDs) and Lopez hopes that continue into next season.
Finally, Ochoa will have most of his receivers back with him. Minjarez broke out last year (71 catches, 1,031 yards, 12 TDs) and he’s expected to be Ochoa’s top target on the outside. Evan Graham and Josh Ponce also come back for the Troopers and both players had their moments last year and should see increased targets along with Minjarez.
Verdict
The Troopers are one of the most talented teams in the city, but how they respond to adversity will be crucial after losing several close games last year. The offense will put up points with a fully healthy Ochoa and company, but the defense will have their opportunity to step up as well.
There’s not a lack of talent for Eastwood, but in a district that’s been very close at the top, the Troopers will need to close out one or two more games to at least make it back to the playoffs. This is one of the most intriguing teams in 1-6A and I see them getting back to the postseason in 2017.
