WESTSIDE BOWL 2026: More Than a Game, It's Westside Pride

BUY TICKETS HERE El Paso, Texas - Thursday night at the Sun Bowl, with bragging rights, tradition and a year's worth of pride on the line. There are rivalries in high school football, and then there's the Westside Bowl. For the Coronado Thunderbirds and Franklin Cougars, this annual showdown represents much more than four quarters of football. It is a rivalry built on neighborhood pride, school tradition, familiar faces and the desire to own the west side of El Paso for the next 365 days. On Thursday, November 5, 2026, the two programs will once again meet under the lights of the historic Sun Bowl, renewing a tradition that has become one of the signature events on the El Paso high school football calendar. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., with gates opening at 5:00 p.m. A rivalry born just two miles apart The Westside Bowl dates back to 1995, when Franklin and Coronado first met on the football field. Franklin won that inaugural meeting, 28-7. The proximity of the two campuses has always been a major part of what makes this matchup special. Located roughly two miles apart, the schools share a community where many athletes grew up together, attended the same elementary and middle schools, and competed alongside one another before eventually becoming rivals. But when Westside Bowl week arrives, friendships take a backseat. The rivalry quickly developed its own identity, complete with a traveling trophy, school-wide participation and a tremendous atmosphere at the Sun Bowl. The winning team gets the opportunity to celebrate with the trophy, parading it through the stadium and sharing the moment with its student body and supporters. Franklin enters with the historical edge Over the years, Franklin has enjoyed considerable success in the rivalry. According to the UIL's historical rivalry records, the Cougars hold a winning record in the series through last years 2025 meeting. The Cougars continued their dominance in recent years. In September 2025, Franklin defeated Coronado 59-7, extending its winning streak against the Thunderbirds to eight consecutive games. But rivalry games have a way of creating their own storylines, and Thursday presents another opportunity for Coronado to change the narrative. The 2026 matchup: Two teams, one opportunity This year's matchup arrives with plenty at stake for both programs. Both teams enter the Westside Bowl at 4-5 overall, with Franklin holding a 3-2 district record and Coronado sitting at 2-3. With the regular season reaching its conclusion, both programs have playoff implications riding on the outcome. Franklin Cougars The Cougars bring a balanced offensive attack into Thursday's contest. Franklin has averaged approximately 343 yards of total offense per game, with a strong emphasis on its running game. Senior wide receiver Santiago Perez has emerged as an important offensive weapon, contributing both as a receiver and a runner. Sophomore Kylen Green has also been a major contributor, leading the Cougars in rushing production. Franklin will look to establish its offensive rhythm, control the line of scrimmage and use its physicality to dictate the pace of the game. Coronado Thunderbirds For the Thunderbirds, the opportunity is about more than snapping a losing streak. It's about defending their home-side pride and changing the direction of a rivalry that has recently favored Franklin. Coronado enters with an offense averaging approximately 318 yards per game, featuring a more balanced distribution between its rushing and passing attacks. Sophomore running back Dereck Frias showed his potential against Pebble Hills, rushing for 93 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, the Thunderbirds will look to create pressure and disrupt Franklin's offensive rhythm. Their defensive front recorded four sacks in that same contest, with Liam Evangelista accounting for two. For Coronado to come away victorious, establishing offensive consistency, limiting Franklin's explosive plays and winning the physical battles will be critical. The atmosphere: Westside pride on full display Few regular-season games in El Paso generate the kind of anticipation surrounding the Westside Bowl. The Sun Bowl provides the perfect stage for a rivalry that has grown beyond football. The student sections, marching bands, cheer programs, alumni and families all contribute to an atmosphere that makes this event special. And while the players ultimately decide the outcome, the community helps make the Westside Bowl what it is. When the final whistle sounds Thursday night, one school will walk away with bragging rights, the trophy and the opportunity to celebrate another year of Westside supremacy. The question remains: WHO OWNS THE WESTSIDE? GAME DAY INFORMATION 2026 WESTSIDE BOWL CORONADO Thunderbirds (Press Box Side) Entrance: North Gate / Parking: GR1 GR2 VS. FRANKLIN Cougars (Visitors Side) Entrance: South Gate / Parking: SBG1 THURSDAY • NOVEMBER 5, 2026 6:00 PM KICKOFF SUN BOWL • EL PASO, TEXAS Gates open at 5:00 PM SPECTATOR INFORMATION & STADIUM RULES Please review the following stadium policies before attending Thursday's game. - No balloons or backpacks. - No large umbrellas. Only small collapsible umbrellas are permitted. - No flags in the stands. - No strollers, car seats or drums. - No one is allowed on the field before, during or after the game. - All bags will be inspected at the entrance gate. - Clear bag policy is in effect. - No outside food or drinks allowed. - No drones. - No selfie sticks. - NO TAILGATING FOR THIS GAME. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, allow time for security inspections and follow all stadium policies. PREP1 Network | El Paso High School Sports