Greater El Paso Football Showcase returns for the 25th year

EL PASO, Texas – It is the last game many local high school football players will ever play in El Paso.

The annual Greater El Paso Football Showcase will return for the 25th time on Dec. 17 at the Sun Bowl.

Players, coaches, and organizers gathered Tuesday afternoon at UTEP to celebrate the return of the showcase, which features the best of the best in El Paso high school football.

Players are broken up into “East” and “West” squads based on the location of their high school.

For many, making the roster is one of the biggest achievements in their high school careers.

“This game means a lot,” said Jorge Hernandez, a wide receiver for El Dorado who will be competing for the East. “It means a lot because it’s gonna be our last time playing in El Paso, the last time representing our school.”

For some, it’s one more shot to have a good game in high school. That’s especially true for Franklin quarterback Kaleb Hatch, who was injured against San Angelo Central in the playoffs.

“I didn’t really have an opportunity to play in our last game,” said Hatch, a member of the West team. “I kind of got hurt on the third play of the game, so it’s a great opportunity to have one more game.” The game also entails a combine the day before that brings college scouts to the SAC to take a look at what El Paso has to offer. The game itself begins at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17. Tickets will go on sale at local high schools after Dec. 1 for $6 and will be available at the Sun Bowl for $8 each. Many players are already counting down the days. “It means everything. It’s a great honor,” said Joshua Wells, a defensive lineman for Parkland who led the state in sacks in the regular season. “I knew guys who played in the past. It was a really good time. They had a lot of fun doing it, and I’m glad that I’m able to be a part of it. And I can’t wait for the game to come.”