As the Eagles advance into round two of the playoffs, parents say the city doesn\u2019t often get a chance like this.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not too often that El Paso gets to represent at this level or, you know, the fact that we’ve just been given this opportunity,\u201d Gaines said.<\/p>\n
Covered in maroon and gold, the Eagles are one step closer to a title and many fans want to make the nearly six-hour drive to cheer them on. <\/p>\n
\u201cI just feel like they’re not making any accommodations for any parent that wants to go to the games,\u201d one supporter said.<\/p>\n
The Eagles will face Melissa High School in Lubbock. <\/p>\n
Melissa administrators posted online that they\u2019re giving students and staff the day off to attend the playoff game.<\/p>\n
![\"Melissa](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8b86032b-6ef3-4fc6-88d5-014843c92eab-IMG_3962.jpeg\"\/)
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Melissa High School’s Facebook post cancels classes Friday for playoff game against Andress high school. (Credit: Melissa High School FB page)<\/p>\n
In contrast, Andress families received a text message from EPISD reminding them that Thursday and Friday are \u201ckey school days,\u201d and students are expected to attend.<\/p>\n
![\"EPISD](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/e16c14e7-0ed9-4190-a18f-4bebe2bdff73-IMG_3963.jpeg\"\/)
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EPISD text message reminding parents to have students attend class Thursday (11\/20) and Friday (11\/21) (Credit: EPISD Parent).{ }<\/p>\n
It is unsure whether that text is related to the frustration from parents. <\/p>\n
\u201cI just felt like it went into one ear and it went out the other,\u201d Magallanes said.<\/p>\n
Gaines called the district\u2019s message discouraging stating, \u201cI just think that’s very discouraging, not only to our athletes, also disheartening to just the community, because you’re pretty much reinforcing that, \u2018Hey, you know what? We don’t care that you all have had this great accomplishment.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Another supporter said, \u201cThey could care less about what El Paso’s doing in athletics as long as they get their funding for attendance.\u201d<\/p>\n
The EPISD trustee representing Andress High School posted on Facebook that he plans to look into the matter moving forward. He also voiced support for the team, writing,<\/p>\n
This is definitely something I would like to look into and see what can be done moving forward. I strongly believe in recognizing and supporting our students when they\u2019ve achieved something significant. When these moments happen, our students should have the opportunity to be celebrated and supported by their fellow students, families, faculty, and community.![\"Facebook](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1998dc33-7e5f-4bba-a521-e8ebbb198c7f-IMG_3961.jpeg\"\/)
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Facebook post by EPISD Board Trustee Robert Osterland regarding parents concerns over Andress playoff game. (Credit: Robert Osterland Facebook Post)<\/p>\n
But parents say what the team really needs is the city behind them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it’s crucial to be honest And to make it this far and not have any support, it’s crucial. It’s fundamental, actually,\u201d Magallanes said.<\/p>\n
Another supporter added, \u201cOh, it’s a huge importance we’ve gone to games in Dallas, we’ve traveled to other games and to see the crowds from Dallas go support their teams and what El Paso gets is horrible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gaines says she remains proud of the team no matter what.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: <\/a>El Paso ISD names Dr. Brian Lusk as lone finalist for superintendent<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI’m just very proud of our boys, and I hope they go out there and they represent El Paso and the district, and they bring back that hardware for us.\u201d<\/p>\n KFOX14\/CBS4 reached out to the El Paso Independent School District to ask about its policy on excusing students for events like this but have not received a response.<\/p>\n