FROM EL PASO TO THE BIG STAGE: Jake Fette and Gael Ochoa Deliver Memorable Performances in College Football

By PREP1 Sports | October 24, 2026 | Photos by Rudy Davila EL PASO, Texas — El Paso football made its presence felt on the national stage Saturday as former Del Valle High School quarterback Jake Fette and former Pebble Hills High School standout Gael Ochoa delivered impressive performances for their respective college programs. Fette, a 2026 Del Valle graduate playing for the Arizona State Sun Devils, helped his team secure a 28-17 victory over Kansas State. Meanwhile, Ochoa, a 2024 Pebble Hills graduate now playing for the Rice Owls, erupted for 259 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in a thrilling 51-49 loss to Florida Atlantic. Although their Saturdays ended differently, both quarterbacks demonstrated the talent, versatility and determination that continue to put El Paso-area football on the map. Jake Fette Helps Arizona State Secure Big 12 Victory Fette's opportunity came under challenging circumstances as Arizona State navigated injuries at quarterback against Kansas State at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils entered the matchup needing a strong performance in Big 12 play. After starting quarterback Mikey Keene exited with an injury late in the first half, Cutter Boley took over before Fette was called upon later in the contest. The former Del Valle Conquistadores standout made the most of his opportunity, completing his first pass against an FBS opponent for nine yards and adding a positive-yardage scramble. Although his individual statistical line was modest, his appearance provided valuable experience in a competitive conference matchup. Fette finished with 1 completion on 2 passing attempts for 13 yards, with no passing touchdowns or interceptions. He also contributed with his legs, although a verified final rushing total for his appearance was not available in the statistics reviewed. Arizona State ultimately pulled away in the fourth quarter. Running back Cardae Mack scored on a 12-yard touchdown run to give the Sun Devils a 21-17 lead, and Arizona State added another score to seal the 28-17 victory. The win improved Arizona State's record to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Big 12 play. While Fette's role was limited, the experience represents another step in his transition from high school standout to college quarterback. His appearance also offered a glimpse of the athletic ability that made him such a productive player at Del Valle. During his senior season with the Conquistadores, Fette completed 174 of 272 passes for 2,737 yards, 28 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also rushed for 1,105 yards and 18 touchdowns, helping Del Valle finish with a 9-2 record. Those numbers illustrate Fette's dual-threat ability and the foundation he brings to Arizona State as he continues developing at the collegiate level. Gael Ochoa Delivers Record-Book Performance for Rice If Fette's Saturday was about gaining valuable experience, Ochoa's performance was about making history. The former Pebble Hills Spartans quarterback delivered a spectacular rushing display in his first collegiate start for Rice, nearly leading the Owls to a road victory against Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, Florida. With Rice quarterback Jacurri Brown sidelined by injury, Ochoa stepped into the starting role and immediately showcased his explosive running ability. Ochoa opened the scoring with a 55-yard touchdown run before adding another rushing score from 52 yards. He continued to break through the Florida Atlantic defense, later recording touchdown runs of 74 and 69 yards. By the end of the afternoon, Ochoa had produced one of the most remarkable individual rushing performances in Rice football history. Ochoa finished with 259 rushing yards on 12 carries, averaging 21.6 yards per carry, with four rushing touchdowns. Through the air, he completed 2 of 5 passes for 80 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. His final totals included five touchdowns accounted for, with the passing score coming on a 71-yard touchdown connection with Braylen Walker late in the fourth quarter. Ochoa's 259 rushing yards ranked as the second-highest single-game rushing total in Rice program history and represented the most rushing yards by a Rice quarterback since 1984. He also became only the second quarterback in school history to rush for four touchdowns in a game, while his 21.6 yards per carry established an American Conference record. Four touchdown runs covering a combined 250 yards highlighted his extraordinary ability to turn a routine play into a game-changing moment. Despite Ochoa's historic effort, Rice ultimately fell short in a wild 51-49 shootout. The Owls accumulated 608 yards of total offense, including 499 rushing yards, but could not overcome Florida Atlantic's explosive scoring. An 82-yard punt-return touchdown proved costly, and Rice's potential game-winning 55-yard field-goal attempt fell short with 45 seconds remaining. The defeat was a heartbreaking conclusion to an otherwise extraordinary individual performance. Still, Ochoa's showing established him as a player to watch as Rice continues its season. Two Quarterbacks, Two Journeys, One Proud Football Community Fette and Ochoa experienced different outcomes on October 24, but their performances shared a common theme: the continued presence of El Paso-area talent on college football's biggest stages. Fette, a freshman beginning his collegiate journey at Arizona State, gained valuable experience during a Big 12 victory. Ochoa, a redshirt sophomore who seized his first starting opportunity at Rice, produced a record-setting performance that placed him among the most accomplished rushing quarterbacks in the program's history. Their paths reflect the different ways athletes develop after high school. For some, progress comes through learning, preparation and taking advantage of limited opportunities. For others, it comes through a breakthrough performance that demands national attention. For Del Valle and Pebble Hills, these former players provide another reason to celebrate the accomplishments of their football programs and the athletes who have moved on to the next level. For El Paso, their performances reinforce an important message: local athletes can compete, contribute and make their mark well beyond the 915. Saturday belonged to two quarterbacks who began their football journeys in the El Paso area. One helped his team earn a conference victory, while the other delivered a performance for the record books. From Del Valle to Arizona State, and from Pebble Hills to Rice, Jake Fette and Gael Ochoa are continuing to write their stories — and El Paso is watching. PREP1 Sports — Celebrating El Paso athletes at every level.