EASTWOOD TROOPERS RALLY PAST FRANKLIN COUGARS WITH DOMINANT SECOND HALF

PREP1 Sports | October 18, 2026 | 📸 Photo Credit: Alejandro Romero | @ar_photography36 The Eastwood Troopers showed resilience, made key adjustments and delivered a statement in the second half Friday night, rallying to defeat the Franklin Cougars, 32–18, in a District 1-6A showdown at Franklin High School. After a challenging opening half, Eastwood found its rhythm after the break, turning a double-digit deficit into a convincing road victory and strengthening its position in the district race. Franklin Strikes First The Cougars came out with momentum, taking advantage of an early interception returned for a touchdown. Franklin continued to apply pressure throughout the first half, building an 18–7 advantage and putting the Troopers in a difficult position heading toward halftime. But Eastwood refused to fold. The Troopers put together a crucial drive in the final minute of the first half, moving the ball into field-goal range and cutting into Franklin’s lead. That late score proved to be an important spark heading into the locker room. Troopers Take Control After the Break Eastwood emerged from halftime with renewed energy and a different level of execution. A pivotal defensive play by Kaiser Finney, who intercepted a Franklin pass and returned it 43 yards, gave the Troopers a major opportunity. Eastwood capitalized with a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to shift the momentum. The Troopers continued to apply pressure, putting together another extended drive that helped them seize control of the game. Quarterback Kingston Jeffries guided the offense, finishing with 232 passing yards, while Jordan Nava delivered a standout performance with eight receptions for 162 yards. As Eastwood’s offense found its footing, the defense tightened its grip on the Cougars, shutting out Franklin in the second half. The Troopers outscored Franklin 22–0 after halftime, transforming a halftime deficit into a 14-point victory. A Critical District Victory The 32–18 win moved Eastwood to 6–2 overall and 3–1 in District 1-6A, keeping the Troopers firmly in the hunt as the district schedule continues. For Franklin, the loss snapped a three-game winning streak and dropped the Cougars to 3–4 overall and 2–1 in district play. Despite a strong first-half showing, Franklin was unable to sustain its offensive momentum after the break. Eastwood’s comeback was a reminder of what makes district football so demanding: games can change quickly, and teams must respond when adversity hits. The Troopers made the necessary adjustments, produced game-changing plays on defense and executed when it mattered most. With the district race heating up, Eastwood will look to carry that second-half momentum into its next matchup against Socorro on Friday, October 23. Final Score: Eastwood Troopers 32, Franklin Cougars 18 PREP1 Network — Covering the athletes, teams and stories that make El Paso sports special. Visit PREP1USA.COM for more local sports coverage.