El Paso Coronado Thunderbirds
Head Coach: Mike Pry (5th season; 16-23 record)
Last Season: 3-7; 2-4 in district
Coronado Key Players and Storylines
Coronado was just one win away from its first playoff berth since 2018 a year ago. However, the Thunderbirds came up short to Eastlake 55-44 in a win-or-go-home contest.
They’ve got a complete rebuild behind center with no returning players who attempted a pass last season. Their top three rushers also are gone. However, that doesn’t mean the offense is completely devoid of weapons. Christian Frescas (856 receiving yards and seven touchdowns) can make things happen both at receiver and on special teams, while track standout Christian Frias (294 receiving yards and two touchdowns) is looking to build off a promising sophomore season.
There’s also experience on the offensive line where 6’3″, 285-pound senior Evan Harris has been a back-to-back first team all-district honoree. He’ll be joined by fellow seniors Jadon Dormon and Franco Villalobos, who were both honorable mentions last season.
Defensively, the Thunderbirds have a strong core in the secondary with Frescas (51 tackles) and junior Chase Golding (50 tackles, four TFLs). Look for linebacker Josiah Marquez (72 tackles) to lead the front seven, while 6’0″, 200-pound defensive end Derrick Jimerson Jr. (33 tackles, 2.5 sacks) will be Coronado’s top pass rushing threat.
Derrick Jimerson Jr.
Coronado High School (El Paso, Texas)
C/O 2027 | DE | 6’0” | 200lbs
2nd Team all district
Email: [email protected]Hudl link: https://t.co/EupaAJ4xfp
Stats:
16 Solo
17 Assist
2.5 Sacks
12 Hurries @CoachMichaelPry @Gabrielsb1971 @CoachHarris77 pic.twitter.com/vhqHVVr2fc— Derrick Jimerson Jr. (@JimersonDe65388) January 4, 2026
In each of the past three seasons, Coronado has finished just a game outside of the playoffs. The Thunderbirds are certainly knocking on the door, but they’ll need to solidify their backfield heading into this fall if they’re to finally break through come November.
Coronado 2026 Schedule
*Denotes District 1-6A Contest
8/28 vs. El Doroado
9/4 @ Odessa
9/11 vs. Burges
9/18 @ El Paso Del Valle
*9/24 @ Socorro
*10/2 vs. Montwood
*10/9 @ Eastwood
*10/15 vs. Eastlake
*10/23 @ Pebble Hills
*11/5 vs. Franklin at Sun Bowl
