Athlete of the Week: Odessa senior Ayden Garcia

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - The Odessa Bronchos opened the 2026 high school football season in a big way, and one senior running back played a major role in the blowout win.

Following Odessa's 51-14 victory over Mexico City Prep, Bronchos senior running back Ayden Garcia has been named our Week One Athlete of the Week.

Garcia was all over the field in the season opener, finding the end zone twice while totaling 109 yards of offense.

The senior finished with 58 rushing yards and 51 receiving yards, helping Odessa build momentum early in the game.

Garcia got the Bronchos rolling with a 30-yard touchdown, setting the tone for an Odessa offense that went on to put up 51 points.

For Garcia, the recognition is an honor, but he says the credit belongs to everyone around him.

"It's an honor. We've been working all summer for this right here. Week one, and we got it done," Garcia said. "I would give all my success to my team."

Garcia pointed to the work of the offensive line, defense and special teams as key pieces of the Bronchos' season-opening victory.

"Everyone did their roles. O-line blocked, opened lines for me to run through. Defense got us the ball back. Special teams did their job, too," Garcia said.

Garcia and the Bronchos are back at home in week two, hosting El Paso Coronado on Friday night. Watch the video above to hear from Garcia on what it means to win the award.

Garcia and the Bronchos are back at home in week two, hosting El Paso Coronado on Friday night.

Watch the video above to hear from Garcia on what it means to win the award.