Marfa athletics celebrates championships, playoff success and state-level competition
The Marfa Lady Horns volleyball team, Shorthorns football team, and Marfa cross-country program have given the community plenty to celebrate with championship victories, playoff competition, and a trip to the state meet.
Shorthorns claim district championship at home
Friday night, November 6, Marfa celebrated as the Shorthorns defeated Dell City 76-12 to claim the District 5-1A Division II championship on their home field.
This accomplishment is especially meaningful, as a district championship of this kind has not been achieved by Marfa since the fall 2014 football season. Marfa finished in a three-way tie for the district title then, earning recognition as District Tri-Champions.
Head Coach Felix Reyes said, “Our boys came out to play and it showed out there on the field. We’ve been working hard at practice and will continue to focus on our strengths and work on our weaknesses. No matter the outcome on Thursday, I am proud of this team, and I am proud to be their coach.”
The Shorthorns delivered an outstanding performance in front of their home crowd and are now setting their sights on the next challenge.
The Shorthorns will take on the Rocksprings Angoras on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Balmorhea as they compete in the first round of the UIL football playoffs. Best of luck, Shorthorns!
Lady Horns capture bi-district championship
On October 29, 2026, the Marfa Lady Horns faced the Rankin Lady Devils for the bi-district championship and came away with a three-set sweep, winning 25-18, 25-20, and 26-24.
The opening set featured plenty of back-and-forth action, with Rankin calling its first timeout at a score of 13-up. Senior setter Dariela Munoz helped lead the offense, connecting with fellow senior Itzel Urrutia, who delivered six kills in the first set alone.
Marfa maintained control throughout the second set, thanks in part to critical defensive plays from seniors Zoey Salgado and Madison Cash. The third set proved to be the toughest, as the Lady Devils held the lead for much of the action. However, the Lady Horns refused to back down. Sophomores Adeline Marquez and Liliana Zubia came up big at the net with key blocks, while senior Giselle Torres anchored the back row. Marfa rallied to close out the set and secure the bi-district championship.
Leading the Lady Horns offensively was Itzel Urrutia with 13 kills. Other standout performances included Madison Cash with two aces; Dariela Munoz with two kills and perfect setting; Zoey Salgado with four kills, seven digs, and five assists; Giselle Torres with three digs, three assists, and no missed serves; Adeline Marquez with three kills and three blocks; and Liliana Zubia with two kills and four blocks.
The Lady Horns traveled to Stanton on November 3 to face the Aspermont Lady Hornets for the area championship. Unfortunately, the Lady Horns’ playoff run came to an end with a three-set loss, 16-25, 18-25, and 22-25. The team battled hard and left everything on the court, finishing an impressive season as bi-district champions.
The bi-district championship victory had not been claimed by Marfa since 2022. Congratulations, Lady Horns, on a season to be proud of!
Alyssa Harden represents Marfa at state cross-country
Saturday morning, November 7, junior Alyssa Harden represented Marfa at the UIL State Cross-Country Meet in Round Rock, Texas.
Competing against 147 runners representing 1A schools across the state, Harden finished an impressive 36th overall. Earning a spot at the state meet is an accomplishment in itself, and Alyssa is already looking forward to returning her senior year with hopes of finishing even stronger. Congratulations, Alyssa, on representing Marfa with pride!
Marfa’s varsity girls cross-country team also captured the district team championship, adding another accomplishment to an exceptional season.
The 2026 fall athletic season has brought renewed excitement to Marfa ISD. From championship titles and playoff runs to state-level competition, Marfa continues to showcase the dedication, determination, and hard work of its student-athletes. These accomplishments are a reflection of the athletes, coaches, families, and community members who support them every step of the way.
Marfa ISD is churning out champions, and we couldn’t be prouder. Go Horns!
