The Odessa Bronchos, led by Head Coach Erik Hartman in his third season, are eager to turn around a challenging trajectory following a last season's record of 1-9 and still seeking their first district win. With 22 returning lettermen, including playmaking junior quarterback Phillip Carrasco, the team is focused on fostering a culture of hard work and determination. Essential to their strategy is improving a defense that previously allowed over 46 points per game, with key players like Andrew Rios and Devin Padilla expected to lead that charge. Despite the challenges, Hartman remains optimistic about their potential growth this season.

By the Numbers
  • 1-9 record last season; 0-5 in district play.
  • Phillip Carrasco threw for 1,656 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
  • Defensive leader Andrew Rios recorded 89 tackles in the previous season.
Yes, But

Despite returning key players and a focus on cultural change, the Bronchos face an uphill battle with the lack of size and depth in their roster, making it challenging to compete against stronger district opponents.

State of Play
  • Odessa's defensive strategy aims to improve after a high points-per-game average against last season.
  • Coach Hartman is relying on the commitment of returning starters to elevate team performance.
What's Next

The upcoming season will be a critical testing ground for the Bronchos as they aim for their first district victory, marked by their opening game against MX Prep-Mexico City on August 27. Improvement in their defensive performance will be pivotal to their success.

Bottom Line

The Odessa Bronchos are on a quest for improvement through a renewed team culture and the return of key players, emphasizing that hard work is essential for them to break their district winless streak this season.