Stepp's 4A DI Region I Picks: District Projections and Playoff Outlook
El Paso has a nine-team 4A district and in the next realignment, there could end up being two El Paso-area 4A districts, so keep an eye on that come February. For 2025, Riverside gets the edge to move back to the top as second-year head coach Daniel Chavez welcomes back eight starters on both sides of the ball. Defending district champion Austin lost a good senior class, but the Panthers do return an elite runner and a veteran offensive line. The key for Austin will be staying healthy as numbers and depth aren’t a strength. Clint got back into the playoffs a year ago and with seven back on both sides, veteran head coach Rosvel Martinez’s bunch expects to contend for the district title. The final playoff spot should come down to Irvin and Ysleta. Irvin made big strides a year ago under first-year head coach Jonathon Elliott, while Ysleta, who finished third a year ago, must replace a big group of seniors.