The El Paso Times kicks off its 2026 high school football countdown by spotlighting the Anthony Wildcats, assigning them the No. 31 ranking as the team prepares for a pivotal season.
Practice will open on August 3 for programs without spring sessions and on August 10 for those that completed spring work, setting the stage for the first games of the year on August 27‑28.
District Battles and Non‑District Tests
The Wildcats will compete in District 3‑3A, Division 2 alongside Stanton, Alpine, Crane, San Angelo Grape Creek, and Coahoma, while their non‑district slate features matchups against San Elizario, Cathedral, Van Horn, and New Mexico’s Cobre and Capitan high schools.
Coming off a 2‑9 record in 2025, the team hopes to translate solid skill players and a potent offense into more wins, having already beaten Cobre and Van Horn last season but falling to San Elizario, Cathedral and Alpine in close contests.
Key Players and Coaching Outlook
Quarterback Joey Van Ert will anchor the offense alongside receivers Abel Jimenez, Anthony Sanchez and Gabriel McConkey, while the line is anchored by Jesus Artiaga and supported by Bryan Garcia at running back.
Defensively, Nathan Rodriguez, Gabriel Chacon and Garcia headline a secondary that also benefits from Artiaga’s contributions on the defensive line, giving the Wildcats depth at multiple positions.
Coach Michael Stephenson acknowledges the loss of key seniors but remains bullish about younger talent that has progressed during the offseason, emphasizing chemistry and the chance to secure a playoff berth.
Players Nathan Rodriguez and Abel Jimenez have voiced optimism about the upcoming campaign, stressing that team cohesion will be the foundation of their push for postseason action.
The full 2026 schedule includes games against San Elizario, Cobre, Cathedral, Van Horn, Capitan, Stanton, Coahoma, San Angelo Grape Creek, Alpine and Crane, offering a rigorous test that could define the Wildcats’ season.