Permian at Odessa High Preview

With the conclusion of the non-district schedule, it’s time for the “games that count” to commence. The Crosstown Showdown now looms on the horizon for Permian and Odessa High. The annual rivalry game will usher in the start of the District 2-6A slate of games and is set for October 10 at Ratliff Stadium.

The two teams enter the contest coming from opposite ends of the success spectrum. The Panthers (4-1) are riding a four-game win streak while the Bronchos (0-5) are winless this season. But, it should be noted… non-district records have no bearing on district seeding come mid-November. Qualifying for post-season will be determined by the results of the next five weeks.

Odessa High finished with a 0-5 district record (2-7 overall) last year, which included a 50-26 humiliating loss to Permian. In 2023, it would take overtime to decide city bragging rights as the Bronchos mounted a 49-42 come-from-behind win. It was the first cross town win by OHS in a decade, dating back to 2013.

SCORING COMPARISON:
Five games into the 2025 season, Permian has been averaging 28 points a game, while Odessa High has maintained an 18 point average. Both offenses produce about 13 first-half points each. The Panthers fare better in the second half, with a 17-point edge over the Bronchos’ 11-point average down the stretch. The Black Cat defense has given up 21.2 points a game, with the Litl’ Red Ponies giving up 46.6 an outing.

The Odessa High offense has been averaging 288 yards of total offense (79.6 rushing and 208.4 passing). Permian has averaged 380.5 (146.8 rushing and 233.8 passing) through five games. Both teams are still experiencing growing pains with too many mental mistakes and unwanted penalties.

OPPONENT ASSETS:
The Bronchos are under the command of quarterbacks sophomore Phillip Carrasco and junior Joe Ortega. In addition to passing, both QBs have the ability to use their legs. Carrasco was the featured signal caller the past two games. OHS has a tendency to toss the rock at a ratio of 2:1 over running the ball.

Bo Rodriguez has been the primary pass catcher. He has recorded 422 receiving yards from 26 catches, and has been averaging 85 yards a game. He’ll be backed up by Andrew Rodriguez. Kobi Baldonado (6-3, 205) has also seen a recent uptick in targets. Ayden Garcia and Abel Avila split rushing duties, and each averages 4.5 yards a carry.

The Odessa High defense leans on linebackers Martin Alva (6-1, 205), Mason Fazenbaker (5-10, 170), and Ethan Houser (5-10, 170). If Mojo QB Jakob Garcia sees any pressure in the backfield, most likely it will be coming from Alva. Defensive back Andrew Rios is a solid performer and has the ability to sniff out where the action is going to be.

Looking at the Special Teams play, field goals have become a challenge for the Bronchos this season. Should the Litl’ Red Ponies manage to get into the endzone and get to kickoff, keep an eye out for Black Cat returner Aaron Navarette. The makings of “taking one to the house” could very well be on the October 10 highlight reel.

As with most of the annual Crosstown Showdown games, Ratliff Stadium is expecting a near capacity crowd of roughly 17,000 fans.

AND THE MEDIA SAYS:
> Matt Stepp (Texas Football magazine) – “…Permian by 28!”

> Randy Rosetta (Hub City Preps) – “This sets up as a reloaded Permian crew vs. a rebuilding Broncho team. That adds up to a 21-point Panther win.”

> Christopher Hadorn (MRT) – “Permian 35, Odessa High 7. The Panthers take care of business for the fifth straight game.”

> Lee Scheide (WESNER) – “Permian wins this one, 49-14, pulling away in the second half.”

> Trey Francis (KMID) – “Permian is riding high right now, and Odessa is riding low… but when it comes to this rivalry game, all of that is out the window. I expect OHS to come out of this one firing with any sort of tricks they’ve been saving. With the Panthers starting slow in several games, this contest could be close at halftime. Mojo has been throwing the ball more than usual, and OHS is going to have to figure out how to stop it while also game planning for the run game. Offensively, Odessa High is going to have to get it to the outside and get it there quickly with the fast defensive front that Permian has.
Prediction: In the 2nd half, Mojo dominates and wins by 30… 51-21.”

> Dalton Arredondo (KMID) – “In one of the most historic rivalries in high school football (dating back to 1959), Permian leads the series 55-10-1. The main key to the game for the Panthers is to be able to start fast. Odessa High has started fast and scored over 20 points in their last two outings. So far, Mojo starts slow in the first half, but finishes strong in the second half. Another key would be for the secondary not to get burned. Andrew and Bo Rodriguez have both averaged over 50 yards a game. DB’s Cameron Mattingly and Izeyah McCoy are going to be key players to contain the Bronchos’ receiving core.
Prediction: Permian continues its momentum… 48-14.”

> Jakob Brandenburg (KOSA) – “Mojo offense is too much to handle for a struggling Bronchos defense. Permian wins 38-14.”

> Jensen Young (KOSA) – “In 2023, it came down to overtime and a touchdown by a couple of inches for Odessa to grab its first win against Permian in about a decade. This year, it seems a lot clearer in Mojo’s favor. The Panthers also have a “new” element on offense in 2025 – the pass game. OHS head coach Erik Hartman will have to prepare the Broncs for that success at the arm of QB Jakob Garcia, while also finding a way to slow down RB Gavin Black.
Prediction: Permian wins its 5th straight and Odessa falls to 0-6 and 0-1 in district. Permian 42, Odessa 20

> Wyatt Nun (KOSA) – “On one hand, it’s an Odessa team that’s struggled to put together a full 48-minute game plan this season. On the other, there’s a Permian squad riding a four-game winning streak. It may look cut and dry, but anything can happen in a rivalry game. Some keys: PHS – Jakob Garcia & Cayden Hernandez; for OHS – Bo Rodriguez & Phillip Carrasco could be the difference. Ultimately, I think Permian comes out on top, 42-24.

> Terry Alan (MojoLand) – “Odessa High typically attempts to play this game to the absolute best of their ability… more than any other game on the schedule. The Mojo linebackers and defensive backs will need to be communicating and on the same page. Only key I can think of for my Panthers – Stay Disciplined and Secure The Ball! If the Black Cats show up focused and play at the level they’re capable of…
Mojo by 24.”
Oh, and we’re wearing White jerseys / Black pants! Right?

STADIUM TRAFFIC FLOW:
Traffic going to the game will be controlled starting at 5:30 p.m. At that time, all traffic flow will be “IN ONLY” until just prior to the game starting. OHS will be seated on the west ‘press box’ side of the stadium, and Permian will be seated on the east ‘visitor’ side.

Permian fans need to approach the stadium from the east. Permian will enter the stadium at the Northeast Gate, East Gate, and east side of the Main Gate.

Odessa High fans need to approach from the west and will enter the stadium at the Northwest Gate and west side of Main Gate.
*There will be No crossover traffic inside the stadium.

When the game is over, the traffic flow will be “OUT ONLY” until the majority of fans have exited. Parents wanting to drop off and pick up children should expect delays getting in and out of the stadium.
See Before and After maps below:

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