It all comes down to one final game on Friday night in East El Paso when the Burges Mustangs host the El Paso High Tigers Friday night for the final playoff spot in District 1-5A. Last year, the Mustangs made the playoffs and advanced to the area round before being knocked out by Canyon. On the other side, the Tigers are trying to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
El Paso High has gone under the radar at times this season, but have put together a solid 6-3 overall record. The Tigers’ rushing attack has been impressive, averaging just under 200 yards a game. Junior running back Nicolas Porras is the go-to back, but the Tigers have a number of other weapons to use including seniors Javaughn Thomas and Jesus Avila. As for the passing game, Luis Villegas is the top target for quarterback Anthony Escobedo. In order for El Paso High to win, they’ll have to be balanced against a physical Burges defense.
Speaking of the Mustangs, they’ve made quite the turnaround after a tough 1-3 start, winning four of their last five games. The Mustangs are also coming off a huge 16-13 upset win over the Chapin Huskies, one of the best teams in El Paso this season. The Mustangs do have good balance on offense with running back George Frias and quarterback Matteo Serrano. Serrano also has good receivers to go to in Odell Graham, Christian Yeager and Tre Addy. One thing that could come back to bite Burges are turnovers: Serrano has thrown 13 interceptions this year, including a pick-six at the end of the first half against Andress two weeks ago that completely changed momentum.
Can El Paso High get that one big win to push themselves into the playoffs or will the Mustangs continue to ride their hot streak into the playoffs? We’ll have our answer at Mustang Stadium Friday night.
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