Del Valle rallies late to edge El Dorado, 43-35, in wild SAC shootout

El Paso, Texas (SAC II) — Sept. 10, 2026 — For three quarters, Del Valle and El Dorado traded punches in a game that had all the makings of another instant El Paso-area football thriller. In the end, it was the Conquistadores who landed the final blow. Del Valle defeated El Dorado, 43-35, Thursday night at the Socorro Activities Complex, pulling away late in a back-and-forth contest that was tied at halftime and remained deadlocked after three quarters. The victory gives Del Valle a 2-1 record and its second consecutive win. El Dorado drops to 1-2 after another high-scoring battle. And this one lived up to the billing. A shootout from the start Del Valle established an early rhythm behind junior quarterback Eric Hernandez, who was singled out throughout the first half for his play at quarterback. The Conquistadores built a 21-14 advantage midway through the second quarter, but El Dorado refused to let the game get away. Senior quarterback Brycen Booth answered before halftime, running for a 2-yard touchdown to pull the Aztecs even. At the break, the scoreboard read: Del Valle 21, El Dorado 21. It was exactly the type of game the two teams appeared destined to play. Estrada provides the spark One of Del Valle's biggest offensive weapons throughout the night was running back Eli Estrada. On-site coverage from Zay Galindo (@UtepZay) highlighted Estrada's impact, including an earlier breakaway touchdown run and his continued production as the game progressed. Estrada eventually delivered another enormous play. With Del Valle holding a narrow lead in the fourth quarter, Estrada broke free for an 18-yard touchdown run, giving the Conquistadores a 43-35 advantage with 7:31 remaining. The ensuing point-after sequence added another unusual twist. After the initial attempt was botched, the holder managed to find the end zone, preserving Del Valle's eight-point advantage. It proved to be the decisive score of the night. El Dorado keeps answering The Aztecs made sure there would be no easy escape for Del Valle. After falling behind by seven in the third quarter, El Dorado responded with a touchdown drive that brought the game back to 35-35. Booth, who entered Thursday's game coming off a spectacular performance against Eastlake, continued to find his rhythm as the night progressed. But Del Valle's defense made the final stand. After Estrada's touchdown put the Conquistadores ahead by eight, El Dorado could not find another answer. The final whistle arrived with Del Valle still in front: DEL VALLE 43, EL DORADO 35 Another night, another Borderland thriller The result continues an extraordinary opening stretch for both programs. Del Valle entered Thursday coming off a 56-14 victory over Montwood, while El Dorado had just suffered a narrow 48-43 loss to Eastlake. MaxPreps had identified Thursday's matchup as a quarterback showdown between Hernandez and Booth before kickoff. Instead of a traditional defensive battle, the two teams produced another offensive showcase. The 78 combined points were a fitting conclusion to a night in which neither team was willing to give ground. For Del Valle, however, the difference came down to execution when the game mattered most. Estrada's late 18-yard touchdown created the separation, and the Conquistadores' defense made it stand. Del Valle walks away from the SAC with momentum, a 2-1 record, and consecutive victories. El Dorado leaves with another difficult loss — but also another reminder that the Aztecs can compete with anyone when their offense is clicking. Thursday night simply belonged to Del Valle. Final: Del Valle 43, El Dorado 35.