Looking Back: A Breakthrough 2025 Season
The 2025 campaign marked a clear step forward for Andress. The Eagles finished 9-3 overall and 7-1 in District 1-5A Division II, capturing the district title and advancing to the area round of the UIL playoffs. That included a signature 28-14 bi-district victory over Wichita Falls Memorial—the first time an El Paso program had defeated a Wichita Falls ISD team. The season ended with a tough loss to Melissa, but the overall trajectory was undeniable after a 5-6 mark the year before.
At the center of it all was Milton. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound dual-threat quarterback put together a school-record junior season: 132-of-185 passing (71.4 percent) for 2,121 yards and 23 touchdowns with just one interception on the year (zero in the regular season). He added 511 rushing yards and nine more scores, giving him more than 2,600 total yards of offense. Those numbers helped him set Andress career records for passing yards (4,528) and touchdowns (50) while still having a senior season remaining.
Milton’s efficiency, decision-making, and dual-threat ability earned him Overall District 1-5A Division II MVP honors, multiple Player of the Game nods, and recognition as a Dave Campbell’s Texas Football QB of the Week. In key moments—such as the bi-district win, where he threw two touchdown passes—he repeatedly elevated those around him. The supporting cast responded, with the Eagles ranking among the more productive offenses in the El Paso area and showing marked improvement in chemistry and intensity.
The Offseason: Building on Momentum with NXTGENELITE Focus
Once the pads came off, Milton stayed locked in. From the NXTGen perspective, this is where the real separation happens. Milton approached the offseason with the same professional, team-first mindset that has defined his high school career—no ego, consistent effort, and a clear focus on getting better every day. That approach has been evident in his physical development (added strength and weight) and continued refinement of his pocket presence, arm talent, and football IQ.
The Eagles also made history on the 7-on-7 circuit. Andress went 4-0 at the El Paso State Qualifying Tournament, defeating programs from multiple classifications, and became the first Class 4A team since 2007 to qualify for the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 7-on-7 State Tournament through a Division I (6A/5A) qualifier. Milton was at the controls for much of that run, continuing to prove the Eagles belong on bigger stages.
Recruiting momentum has followed the on-field production. As a #NXTGENELITE athlete, Milton has earned offers from Western New Mexico University and New Mexico Highlands University and has drawn interest from other programs. His combination of production, character, and family foundation (sister a recent LSU graduate, father with military background) has stood out to coaches who value both talent and intangibles.
Jamari even made the decision to verbally commit to Western New Mexico University before his Senior season, allowing him to focus more and relieve pressure of that pending decision. Now all eyes are on the Senior season ahead!
Looking Ahead: A New Classification and Higher Expectations
The 2026 season brings change and opportunity. Due to UIL realignment, Andress moves from Class 5A to Class 4A Division I and will compete in a new district alongside Austin, Riverside, Ysleta, and San Elizario. Coach Taylor has expressed excitement about playing at the program’s enrollment level while remaining highly competitive.
With Milton returning as a senior and the program’s clear leader under center, the Eagles enter the year with elevated expectations. Team goals center on one thing....Winning a State Championship!
Individually, Milton is positioned to build on his record-setting production, continue developing as a complete field general, and lead Andress into its next chapter. He says the way he's going to get that done is "...by being the absolute best version of himself on the field, if I do that my teammates will match me and we'll be the best version of ourselves as a unit and accomplish all of our goals!"
For NXTGen, Jamari Milton represents exactly what the #NXTGENELITE standard is about: a young man who produces at a high level, elevates his teammates, works without complaint, and approaches every opportunity—whether Power conference interest or smaller programs—with the same focus and gratitude. The foundation at Andress is solid. With Milton under center, the Eagles are ready to keep soaring.
Stay locked in with NXTGen for more on Jamari Milton and the Andress program, including our upcoming Pre-Season Player Spotlight Interview with the man Jamari himself.
The work continues.
#NXTGENELITE #SoarEagles
