Friday night football returns to El Paso as the Bowie Bears take on the Burges Mustangs in a much-anticipated non-conference clash. The two programs, separated by just a few miles, will face off on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Burges High School.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Texas High School Football
Who: Bowie vs Burges
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here Now
With both teams starting the season at 0-0, this opener carries significance beyond just bragging rights. The Bowie vs Burges matchup provides each side with a chance to establish momentum, set the tone for the year, and measure themselves against a familiar El Paso rival.
Rankings and Records
Bowie Bears (2025-26)
- National Rank: 11,145
- Texas Rank: 1,053
- Section Rank: 249
- Division Rank: 94
- Overall Record: 0-0
Bowie enters the season with something to prove. While their preseason ranking places them just outside the Texas top 1,000, the Bears have historically shown grit and determination. They thrive in physical contests and will need discipline to slow down Burges in front of a hostile crowd.
Burges Mustangs (2025-26)
- National Rank: 9,059
- Texas Rank: 910
- Section Rank: 217
- Division Rank: 100
- Overall Record: 0-0
The Mustangs hold the advantage in preseason rankings, sitting nearly 2,000 spots higher nationally than Bowie. Their position inside the state’s top 1,000 reflects a program with upside and a chance to push deeper into district play this fall. At home, Burges will be eager to justify those rankings by putting on a strong Week 1 performance.
Common Opponents
Both Bowie and Burges will face Jefferson and Fabens later in the season, giving fans additional context for comparison:
- Bowie Schedule Highlights:
- Sept. 5, 2025 – vs Jefferson
- Sept. 12, 2025 – at Fabens
- Burges Schedule Highlights:
- Sept. 5, 2025 – vs Fabens
- Sept. 19, 2025 – vs Jefferson
Those games will provide more clarity about each team’s standing, but for now, the Bowie vs Burges clash stands as the first real test.
Record Breakdown
Both teams enter with clean slates:
- Overall: 0-0
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 0-0
- Head-to-Head: 0-0 (no recent results available)
- Common Opponents: None yet played
- Home/Away/Neutral: All records reset at 0-0
This game offers the chance for one team to grab the early lead in this neighborhood rivalry series.
What to Expect Friday Night
Bowie Bears
Bowie’s strength lies in its resilience and ability to grind out tough games. The Bears are not afraid of playing on the road, and they’ll enter Burges with the mindset of outworking their opponent. Their game plan will likely lean on controlling time of possession with a steady ground attack, paired with a defense that prides itself on discipline and gang tackling. If Bowie can keep Burges’ offense off balance, they’ll have a shot at stealing a win.
Burges Mustangs
Burges thrives on speed and offensive creativity. At home, the Mustangs are expected to open up the playbook early, aiming to test Bowie’s defense with quick strikes and an up-tempo approach. Defensively, Burges will look to use its athleticism to swarm to the football and create turnovers. If the Mustangs get into rhythm, they could build an early lead and force Bowie to play catch-up—a scenario that would favor Burges.
Keys to Victory
For Bowie:
- Win the Turnover Battle – Taking care of the football is non-negotiable against a fast Burges squad.
- Establish the Run – Controlling the ground game will keep the Mustangs’ offense off the field.
- Contain Big Plays – Limiting Burges’ explosive moments will give the Bears a fighting chance.
For Burges:
- Set the Pace – Tempo will be key. A fast start can demoralize Bowie and energize the home crowd.
- Apply Pressure – Getting after Bowie’s quarterback could disrupt their rhythm and force mistakes.
- Finish Drives – Settling for field goals instead of touchdowns could leave the door open for Bowie.
Players to Watch
Bowie Bears
- Quarterback: Needs poise and accuracy to sustain drives.
- Feature Running Back: A reliable workhorse who could dictate tempo.
- Defensive Leaders: Their ability to handle Burges’ speed will decide the outcome.
Burges Mustangs
- Dual-Threat QB: His playmaking skills may stretch Bowie’s defense.
- Wide Receivers: Capable of turning short passes into long gains.
- Linebackers: Critical in shutting down Bowie’s run game.
Atmosphere at Burges High School
The Burges home crowd is always electric, and this opener should be no exception. El Paso rivalries carry extra weight, and the stands will be buzzing with energy. The Mustangs’ faithful will create a loud, playoff-like environment that could rattle Bowie early. For the Bears, handling that intensity will be their first challenge before even taking a snap.
Why This Game Matters
For both teams, this is more than just a season opener—it’s a statement game.
- For Bowie: A road win against a higher-ranked team would serve notice across the district that the Bears are ready to compete.
- For Burges: Protecting home turf and proving their preseason ranking isn’t inflated are top priorities.
Momentum gained in Week 1 often carries into the heart of the season, and both teams know the importance of starting strong.
Prediction
The Bowie vs Burges contest is shaping up to be a physical, emotional, and high-energy opener. Bowie will fight hard, leaning on discipline and toughness, but Burges’ speed and home-field advantage might prove to be the difference.
Projected Final Score: Burges 27, Bowie 14
The Mustangs’ explosive offense should create enough separation in the second half, while Bowie’s effort keeps the game competitive.
Final Thoughts
Few things capture the spirit of Texas High School Football events like a city rivalry, and Bowie vs Burges checks all the boxes. From the community pride to the players eager to make their mark, this non-conference battle has all the makings of a memorable Friday night in El Paso.
- Bowie will look to prove they can hang with a more highly ranked opponent.
- Burges will aim to defend home field and start the year with a statement win.
When the lights come on and the first whistle blows at Burges High School, fans can expect four quarters of hard-hitting, emotional football—the kind that defines Friday nights in Texas.
