Riverside uses big second half to defeat Big Spring to claim bi-district football title

Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times

The UIL football playoffs started Thursday across Texas. Here is a look at how some El Paso teams fared.

Class 4A, Division I

  • For the second time in three years, Riverside won a bi-district title with a 49-20 win against Big Spring in Fort Stockton. The 9-2 Rangers outscored the Steers, 35-0, in the second half. Quarterback Derek Vasquez found Carlos Rojas twice with touchdown passes early in the second half and also scored on a TD run. Running back Noah Ramirez sprung a 40-yard run to set up his own short scoring run. "Our defensive staff made some great adjustments in the second half and our offensive line did a great job in the second half, we challenged them at the halftime break. I'm really proud of our kids, they have worked hard this year and deserved this win," Rangers coach Gary Recoder said.

  • In Artesia, N.M., Austin lost 41-7 to Andrews. Running back Ruben Bustillos scored the Austin touchdown.

  • San Elizario was defeated 56-0 by Brownwood. San Elizario qualified for the playoffs with a win against Irvin

Class 6A, Division I

  • In Midland, Montwood lost 64-19 to Midland Legacy. Michael Southern threw three touchdown passes for the Rams, who finish 5-6.

Class 5A, Division I

  • Parkland lost, 67-7, to Lubbock Cooper and finishes the season 6-5. Erick Ortiz had a 36-yard rushing touchdown for the Matadors.

  • Hanks saw its season end with an 84-14 loss to Abilene High. The Knights finish 6-5 and made the playoffs in coach Scott Veliz' first year.

Class 5A, Division II

  • Andress lost, 55-7, to Abilene Wylie. Andress got a score on a Jadon Urbina 3-yard TD pass to Jared Gordon.

Parkland's quarterback Erik Ortiz scored a TD against Lubbock-Cooper in the Class 5A Division I bi-district football game on Friday, at Pirate Stadium in Woodrow.
Parkland's quarterback Erik Ortiz scored a TD against Lubbock-Cooper in the Class 5A Division I bi-district football game on Friday, at Pirate Stadium in Woodrow.

Class 4A, Division II

  • West Plains defeated Clint, 41-14. The Lions returned to the playoffs after missing last season. West Plains is ranked No. 9 in the state rankings.

Class 2A, Division I

  • Anthony lost, 63-18, to Hawley. The Wildcats made the playoffs in the first year of coach Mike Stephenson's second go around as coach of the program.

More: HS Football News Five things to watch in El Paso high school football as playoffs begin

Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X (Formerly Twitter)

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: UIL football playoffs are underway for El Paso teams

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