AJ GUZMAN’S PICK-SIX SPARKS YSLETA INDIANS IN 34–28 UPSET OF AUSTIN

PREP1 Sports | October 16, 2026 The Ysleta Indians made a statement Thursday night, handing the Austin Panthers their first loss of the season with a dramatic 34–28 victory in District 1-4A Division I action at Hutchins Stadium. While the Indians found ways to produce offensively, one of the defining moments came on the defensive side of the football. AJ Guzman intercepted an Austin pass and returned it for a touchdown in the third quarter, delivering a momentum-changing play that helped propel Ysleta toward a critical district victory. In a matchup between two teams fighting for position in a competitive district race, Guzman’s pick-six was the kind of game-changing moment that can define a football night. GUZMAN MAKES HIS MOMENT Interceptions can change a game. Taking one all the way to the end zone can change its entire complexion. Guzman’s third-quarter interception return for a touchdown gave the Indians a major boost, turning a defensive opportunity into six points and putting additional pressure on an Austin team that had entered the contest unbeaten. The play showcased the importance of creating turnovers and making opponents pay for their mistakes. With the Panthers looking to maintain control, Guzman came up with a difference-making defensive effort when Ysleta needed it. For the Indians, it was more than a highlight. It was a statement that their defense could create points and influence the outcome against one of the area's strongest teams. INDIANS CAPITALIZE ON KEY OPPORTUNITIES Ysleta entered halftime with a 14–7 advantage after making the most of its first two offensive possessions. Quarterback Rodrigo Martinez contributed a rushing touchdown and a touchdown pass as the Indians established early momentum. The Indians eventually built a 20-point lead, forcing Austin to chase the game. The Panthers responded with a determined late rally, making the finish much tighter than Ysleta would have preferred. But the Indians held on, securing the six-point victory and ending Austin’s unbeaten start. The final score also marked the most points Austin had allowed all season, underscoring the challenge Ysleta presented on both sides of the ball. A BIG WIN IN THE DISTRICT RACE The victory improved Ysleta to 6–2 overall and 1–1 in district play, while Austin dropped to 7–1 overall and 1–1 in district play. The Indians also defeated the Panthers for the second consecutive year in district competition. For Ysleta, the win offers valuable momentum heading into the next week. The Indians are scheduled to visit San Elizario on Friday, October 23, while Austin prepares to host Andress. In a game decided by six points, Guzman’s third-quarter pick-six stands out as a pivotal contribution — the type of defensive play that can turn a hard-fought district matchup into a memorable victory. FINAL: YSLETA INDIANS 34, AUSTIN PANTHERS 28 📸Gilbert Medina KickAsh Photo PREP1 NETWORK | PREP1USA.COM