El Paso Franklin Cougars

Head Coach: Ruben Torres (2nd season; 8-3 record)

Last Season: 8-3; 5-1 in district (Lost to Midland Legacy in bi-district)

Returning Lettermen: 20 (3 returning starters on offense; 8 on defense)

Franklin Key Players and Storylines

Franklin comes into 2026 hungry. Ruben Torres led the Cougars to a second-place finish in District 1-6A in his first season a year ago. Now this year’s group is determined to finish one spot better, and it could be the defense that makes the difference.

That’s because the offense is going to take some work after losing key graduates at quarterback, receiver, and on the offensive line. The good news is Torres has full confidence in sophomore quarterback Elijah Barrientos, who he describes as a “high-ceiling” player with an outstanding ability to “read defenses.”

Barrientos has a sparkplug to aim for in receiver Santiago Perez, who led the team with 545 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2025. Center Gerardo Pone will be the glue in the trenches. Torres will need him to lead what will be a young group up front.

Great week 6 district win against Montwood
2 td, 140 receiving yards@RTorres_lll @Coach_MattReyes @epfranklinfb @EpfranklinTf @915Preps_FB pic.twitter.com/LfcyUEdhe3

— Santiago Perez’ 27 (@SP9_Santi) October 5, 2025

Last year, several Franklin games devolved into shootouts as the Cougar defense gave up 32 points per game. That unit should be improved this year with the speed and experience it has returning. It’ll all start with linebacker Daniel Martinez (110 tackles, nine TFLs), who shifts to the mike position where he’ll become the quarterback of the defense.

Defensive lineman Anthony Meraz (65 tackles, eight TFLs) brings power to the trenches with his size at 6’1” and 260 pounds, while safety Tyson McDavitt (53 tackles) is a great leader on the back end. Torres said he’ll be expected to mix it up this year as a key run defender too.

Momentum is growing in Cougar Country after last year’s impressive campaign. Torres wants to capitalize on that as Franklin looks to take its next step and win its first playoff game since 2018.

El Paso Franklin 2026 Schedule

*Denotes District 1-6A Contest

August 28 vs. Chapin

September 4 @ Midland Lee

September 11 @ Andress

September 17 vs. Parkland

*October 1 vs. Socorro

*October 9 @ Montwood

*October 16 vs. Eastwood

*October 22 @ Eastlake

*October 30 vs. Pebble Hills

*November 5 @ Coronado at Sun Bowl 6:00 p.m.