Canutillo High’s 2014 State Semifinalist Football Team honored as 2024 CHS Outstanding Exes

In 2014, the Canutillo High School Varsity Football Team achieved a feat unmatched by any other El Paso team in modern football history — reaching the state playoff semifinals and thus bringing a sense of pride that was felt beyond the district and into the entire Border community. 

A decade later, the legendary team will once again take center stage, this time as the 2024 CHS Outstanding Exes, honored for their extraordinary accomplishments and enduring legacy. 

“It is an honor to celebrate this extraordinary team in this way,” said Principal Candice Marrufo. “In 2014, their state semifinal run captivated the region and their legacy has since become a source of pride for the Canutillo community and a symbol of hope for future generations of El Paso athletes.”

The 2014 season was nothing short of magical for the Canutillo Eagles. Week after week, they defied expectations, taking on powerhouse teams from across Texas and securing victory after victory. 

What set them apart wasn’t just talent or athleticism, but an unshakable belief in themselves and their coach, Scott Brooks. 

Coach Brooks, known for his stern demeanor and strategic brilliance, led with a combination of discipline, heart and vision. His leadership inspired his players to rise to the occasion, pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits, all while maintaining a close-knit, family-like bond.

“What made the 2014 Canutillo team so special wasn’t just the wins but how they achieved them,” said Brooks. “They demonstrated amazing teamwork, a relentless work ethic and really embodied the spirit of the campus and the wider community. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, linemen and defensive stars all played their part and no one was bigger than the team.”

It was this combination of camaraderie, discipline and trust that carried them further than any team from El Paso had ever gone—reaching the semifinals in the highly competitive Texas state playoffs. 

Players like quarterback Javier Gomez, linebacker Jesse Velasco and wide receiver Tristan Perez became local legends, but each player contributed to the team’s remarkable journey.

“Most of us on the team had been playing with or against each other since we were little in pee wee football,” Perez said. “When we all got together as a team at Canutillo High School, we had a great connection that led to excellent teamwork and trust. I knew that if I attacked the ball, my teammates would follow.”

One key to the team’s success was its defense, which was known for its fierce and unrelenting play. Opponents found it hard to break through a unit that worked like a well-oiled machine. The offense, meanwhile, executed game plans with precision, relying on quick plays and high-impact drives that kept their adversaries off balance.

“The team’s defense was number one. Our defensive line weren’t big guys but they were mighty,” Perez said. “People would say we were like a pack of chihuahuas out there.”

In 2024, as Canutillo High School celebrates the accomplishments of its alumni, it’s only fitting that the 2014 Varsity Football Team receives the distinction of Outstanding Exes. This honor is not just for their remarkable achievements on the field but for the lasting impact they’ve had on the Canutillo community. 

The team brought the entire region together during their run to the semifinals, inspiring pride and unity that continues to echo a decade later.

For Coach Brooks, the recognition is especially meaningful. Though he’s quick to credit his players, there’s no denying the pivotal role he played in their success. His leadership extended beyond the football field; he shaped young men into leaders, instilling in them values of perseverance, humility and the importance of community. 

Many of his former players have gone on to lead successful careers and contribute to society, and they often cite the lessons they learned during that incredible 2014 season as guiding principles in their lives.

Perez went on to play football for The University of Texas Permian Basin where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He now works as a project manager for the Texas Gas Service engineering group in Austin, TX. He said he attributes his success after high school to the ideas instilled in him as a part of the 2014 football team. 

“One of my teammates, Jesse Velasco, would always say ‘why not us?’ After a while, I started to really believe why couldn’t it be us,” Perez said. “The guys on the team and our coaches instilled grit in us and told us ‘you can dream big as long as you put forth a big effort.’ I carry that with me to this day. Great effort yields great rewards.”

The celebration of the 2014 team as Outstanding Exes is more than just a look back at a championship run. It’s a celebration of what it means to overcome obstacles, defy the odds and achieve greatness. It’s also a reminder of the potential that exists in every Canutillo student and athlete—that hard work, teamwork and belief can lead to greatness, even when the odds are stacked against you.

As the Canutillo Eagles of 2024 take the field, they do so with the knowledge that they are part of a rich tradition. The story of the 2014 team will always be there to inspire them, just as it will inspire future generations. 

For this legendary group of athletes, their recognition as 2024 CHS Outstanding Exes is not just a moment of reflection, but a celebration of what they accomplished and the legacy they continue to build.

The 2014 Canutillo High School Varsity Football Team’s journey to the Texas state semifinals will forever remain a defining chapter in El Paso sports history. A decade later, their recognition as Outstanding Exes not only honors their remarkable season but also serves as a beacon of pride for the Canutillo community. 

Their legacy, forged through hard work, teamwork and the guidance continues to inspire and uplift those who follow in their footsteps.

“My advice to current and future Canutillo High School Eagles is when a goal seems too big, realize your potential and maximize it,” Perez said. “Big dreams are scary and that is okay. Take a leap of faith and give it your all. Failure is acceptable, quitting isn’t. And most importantly, keep your head in the clouds but your feet on the ground.”

The 2024 Canutillo High School Outstanding Exes are:

Javier Gomez

Tristan Perez

Jose Perez

Kiki Romero

Anthony Meraz

David Acostas

Frank Guiterrez

Mark Guiterrez

Juan Salido

Fabian Soto

Juan "Milo" Escobar

Daniel Moultrie

Paul Melendez

Bo Brooks

Josh Guiterrez

Jesse Velasco

Joey Barraza

Jonathan Vogt

Rene Ochoa

Roger Soto

Gerson Aguilar

Johnny Dunlap

Fernie Martinez

Ben Galaviz

Cyrus Herrera