EASTWOOD MAKES A STATEMENT: TROOPERS BLANK EASTLAKE 42-0

By PREP1 Sports | September 25, 2026 The stage was set for a heavyweight District 1-6A showdown between two undefeated East Side programs. Instead, the Eastwood Troopers turned it into a statement. Eastwood dominated Eastlake 42-0 on Friday, September 25, at Trooper Stadium, opening district play with a defensive masterpiece before lightning brought the game to an early conclusion in the third quarter. Eastwood improved to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in District 1-6A, while Eastlake fell to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in district play. DEFENSE SET THE TONE From the opening possession, the Troopers' defense dictated the night. Eastwood forced five turnovers, recorded four sacks, and held the Falcons to just 87 total yards of offense. The Troopers were especially disruptive up front, repeatedly collapsing the pocket and making life difficult for Eastlake quarterback Jonathan Fajardo, who was making his first start after starting quarterback Julian Williams suffered a hand injury during the week. The defense wasn't simply stopping drives — it was putting points on the scoreboard. Defensive lineman Andrew Flanagan scooped up a fumble created by a Noah Williams strip-sack and returned it for a touchdown. Later, Logan Bedwell jumped a pass and raced 80 yards for another defensive touchdown, giving Eastwood a 31-0 advantage in the second quarter. By halftime, the Troopers had built a commanding 34-0 lead. RAMIREZ RUNS WILD While the defense controlled the game, Eastwood's ground attack continued to pound away. Matthew Ramirez delivered another huge performance, rushing for 168 yards on 16 carries, according to El Paso Times reporting. He scored twice as the Troopers repeatedly found running room behind their offensive line. Eastwood needed only 197 yards of total offense to produce 42 points, a testament to the short fields created by the defense and the Troopers' ability to capitalize on Eastlake mistakes. The formula was simple: Defense. Turnovers. Field position. Ramirez. Points. And Eastwood executed it nearly perfectly. LIGHTNING ENDS THE NIGHT The Troopers added another touchdown in the third quarter to reach the final margin of 42-0, but Mother Nature ultimately had the final say. With 5:57 remaining in the third quarter, lightning forced a delay. The game was eventually called, giving Eastwood the shutout victory in its District 1-6A opener. For a matchup that entered the night with championship implications and two teams carrying 4-0 records, Eastwood left little doubt about how its district campaign was going to begin. WHAT'S NEXT Both teams now turn their attention to Pebble Hills. Eastwood travels to face the Spartans on Thursday, October 1, at 7 p.m., while Eastlake is scheduled to meet Pebble Hills on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. For the Troopers, the message from Week 1 of district play was unmistakable: the road to the District 1-6A title runs through Eastwood. FINAL: EASTWOOD 42, EASTLAKE 0 PHOTO: Ave.snapped | PREP1 Network