BEL AIR HIGHLANDERS OUTLAST PARKLAND MATADORS IN THRILLING 42–37 ROAD WIN

PREP1 Sports | October 18, 2026 | 📸 Photo Credit: Carlos Chavez | @flickedby.carlos The Bel Air Highlanders walked into Matador Stadium on Friday night and walked out with one of the most hard-fought victories of their season. In a high-scoring battle on October 16, Bel Air held off the Parkland Matadors, 42–37, extending its winning streak to three games and improving to a winning record on the season. Parkland delivered a determined offensive performance of its own, but the Highlanders made enough plays to secure the five-point victory. Parkland’s Offense Delivers The Matadors showed plenty of firepower, led by running back Carter Perez, who finished with 127 rushing yards and a touchdown while also adding a receiving touchdown. Perez continued his impressive stretch on the ground, recording at least 120 rushing yards for the third consecutive game. Quarterback Aiden Nunez also helped keep Parkland in the fight, throwing for 202 yards and three touchdowns. The Matadors’ ability to produce through the air and on the ground made this a challenging matchup for Bel Air throughout the night. Despite the offensive production, Parkland came up five points short, unable to complete the comeback against a Highlander team that has found momentum in recent weeks. Highlanders Keep Their Momentum Rolling Bel Air entered the matchup riding a two-game winning streak after decisive victories over Bowie and Horizon. The Highlanders continued that momentum against Parkland, finding a way to win in a much tighter contest. Unlike their previous blowout victories, Friday’s game required Bel Air to withstand a sustained challenge from the Matadors. The Highlanders responded by putting 42 points on the board and holding on through a back-and-forth offensive battle. The victory improved Bel Air to 4–3 overall, giving the Highlanders three consecutive wins and valuable confidence as they continue through the District 1-5A Division I schedule. For Parkland, the loss dropped the Matadors to 1–5 and extended their losing streak to five games. Despite the result, the production from Perez and Nunez demonstrated the offense’s ability to generate points against a surging opponent. What’s Next? Bel Air will look to make it four straight wins when it faces El Dorado on Thursday, October 22. Parkland will aim to bounce back against Hanks on Friday, October 23. Friday’s matchup was a reminder that in high school football, a strong offensive night can make any opponent dangerous. Parkland pushed the Highlanders to the limit, but Bel Air left Matador Stadium with the result that mattered. FINAL: Bel Air Highlanders 42, Parkland Matadors 37 PREP1 Network — Covering the athletes, teams and stories that make El Paso sports special. Visit PREP1USA.COM for more local sports coverage.