News Summary
The Coronado High School football team, known as the Thunderbirds, is gearing up for the upcoming season with high expectations. Ranked No. 6 in the El Paso Times countdown, the team aims to improve upon last year’s performance. After narrowly missing the playoffs, they are committed to developing consistent offensive and defensive strategies to secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2018. Key players include quarterback West Stansbury, along with skilled receivers and defenders who are ready to make an impact this season.
El Paso – The Coronado High School football team, known as the Thunderbirds, is entering the 2025 season with high expectations, ranked No. 6 in the El Paso Times high school football countdown. The team commenced practice on August 11, 2025, and is gearing up for their first game of the season, scheduled for August 28, 2025.
In the previous season, the Thunderbirds narrowly missed qualifying for the playoffs, ending the year with a 5-4 overall record and a 2-4 standing in District 1-6A. The close losses to Franklin, Eastwood, and Eastlake tightened their quest for playoff position, which has fueled motivation for improvement heading into this season. The team has set key objectives that include enhancing offensive consistency and bolstering defensive performance during district matchups. The ultimate goal for Coronado is to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
This year, the squad boasts a strong collection of skilled offensive players and experienced defenders. At the helm of the offense is sophomore quarterback West Stansbury, who has demonstrated considerable growth and potential to have a standout season. Stansbury is the son of Ed Stansbury, a prominent figure in El Paso football history, having played at Irvin High School and at UCLA.
Supporting Stansbury’s efforts are talented wide receivers Ben Wilson and Cole Randag. Additionally, running backs Norman Montion and Sal Duarte bring versatility and skill to the Thunderbirds’ offensive attack. Evan Harris is anticipated to make a significant impact on the offensive line, providing necessary protection for the quarterbacks and running backs alike.
Defensively, Coronado is led by standout players such as Montion, who recorded 76 tackles last season as a defensive back, and linebacker TJ Spilliaert, who is viewed as a crucial leader for the team. The Thunderbirds’ defensive front seven is expected to be anchored by Sebastisan Jaurrieta, who is expected to be instrumental in the team’s defensive strategies.
As practice gets underway, the coach has expressed enthusiasm about the team dynamic, highlighting the mix of veteran talent and new players who are eager to contribute. The team is looking forward to a competitive season with significant challenges ahead in their district. Spilliaert and Montion have both shown confidence in the team’s defensive capabilities, emphasizing critical aspects such as physicality, speed, and aggressiveness. Moreover, Montion underscored the importance of trust and teamwork as essential factors for achieving their goals this season.
Overall, the Coronado Thunderbirds are set to embark on a promising 2025 football season, with aspirations not only to improve upon last season’s performance but also to engrave their name back into playoff contention. As the first game approaches, the team looks forward to showcasing the hard work and dedication that they have put into their preparation this summer.
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HERE Resources
Ben Wilson Commits to New Mexico State Baseball Program
Coronado High School Baseball Players Named to Super Elite Team
Coronado Middle School Softball Team Secures Championship
Additional Resources
- El Paso Times: Coronado High School Texas High School Football Countdown
- El Paso Times: 2025 Texas High School Football Schedule
- KFOX14: Ruben Torres Named Head Coach for Franklin High Football Team
- KTSM: Former Coronado High School Football Head Coach Inducted into THSCA Hall of Honor
- El Paso Times: Vote for El Paso Children’s Hospital Male HS Athlete of the Year
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: Texas High School Football
- Google Scholar: Texas High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas High School Football
- Google News: Texas High School Football

Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.