A sea of green and blue, with a little red, filled Edgewood Veterans Stadium for the 16th annual Salsa Bowl matchup between the Kennedy Rockets and Memorial Minutemen.
The game was earlier in the season this year due to UIL realignment, but that didn’t keep fans away. More than 3,500 people filled the stands to cheer on the all the students involved in the Salsa Bowl.
“For our players to see Veterans Stadium full, is the reward for all the hard work they put in,” says Rockets Head Football Coach Matt Hove. “It lets them know those hot summer workouts and the early mornings in the fall are appreciated by the community.”
A joint JROTC Color Guard from Kennedy High School and Memorial High School presented the colors as the choir from the Edgewood Fine Arts Academy performed the National Anthem. Kennedy High School alumnus and documentarian Dr. Mario Longoria was the special guest who helped get the game started with the coin flip. Memorial Head Football Coach Paul Ortega considers the moments before kickoff to be some of the best of the game.
“Seeing the players run out of the tunnel, the national anthem, and the coin toss is very exciting to me,” says Ortega. “The pride the players and fans show, cheering and wearing their colors, is a sight to behold.”
For sixteen seasons, Salsa Bowl has brought the EISD community together for a night of football and fun. For some, it’s also become a chance to reconnect and celebrate the impact Edgewood has had on their lives.
“I had the pleasure of reconnecting with friends from various classes, all enjoying the atmosphere and the game together,” says EISD Athletic Director Ben Benavides III. “This tradition is vital for the EISD community as it not only brings us together but also helps unify our cause regarding the future of our district.”
Now the Rockets and the Minutemen are preparing for district play, in different districts for the first time. Both head coaches believe this storied rivalry is helping their players focus and prepare for what’s next.
“The Salsa Bowl gets our kids ready for the intensity they will encounter in district play and helps us to get ready to win games in district to make the play-offs,” says Coach Ortega.
Coach Hove is proud of his team for getting the win and taking home the Salsa Bowl trophy, but says they still have work to do.
“[Salsa Bowl] was the most complete game that we have put together as a team. If we continue to improve, I firmly believe we have the players and the coaches to be able to compete in [an incredibly tough] district, and make a run to get into the playoffs,” says Hove.
The Rockets have one more non-district game against Compass Rose on September 19, then they begin district play at Canyon Lake High School on September 27.
The Minutemen have three more non district games, then they begin district play October 18 at Edgewood Veterans Stadium against Carrizo Springs.
Mark your calendar - Salsa Bowl XVII is set for Friday, September 12, 2025.
Click HERE to view hundreds of photos from Salsa Bowl XVI.