Tiger Territory Ready to Roar: School Returns and Football Season Launches

Back to School Begins Wednesday

The 2026 school year launches with a staggered start designed to give every student their moment:

• Wednesday, August 12: Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade students report for their first day

• Thursday, August 13: All remaining students return, completing the full enrollment

“This staggered approach allows us to focus on each transition cohort,” said a school official. “We want every student—whether it’s a kindergartener entering school for the first time or a ninth grader stepping into high school—to feel welcomed and supported.”

The district’s commitment to a safe, inclusive environment extends beyond academics.

But Football Waits for No One

Even as the school year officially begins, Tiger football is already in motion. The varsity team takes the field Thursday, August 13 at 4:00 PM for their scrimmage against Carlsbad at Ruidoso Middle School—just hours after students return to class.

It’s the perfect encapsulation of what Alamogordo is: a place where education and athletics aren’t separate pursuits, but interconnected parts of student life.

A Home-Field Advantage This Season

What makes 2026 special for Tiger fans? Five home games at Tiger Stadium during the regular season—more opportunities than ever for the community to gather, cheer, and witness high school football at its finest.

Tiger Stadium Home Games:

Date Opponent Time

August 21 Santa Fe 6:00 PM

September 11 Roswell 7:00 PM

September 25 Artesia 7:00 PM

October 2 Mayfield (Homecoming) 7:00 PM

October 22 Deming 7:00 PM

“Having five home games gives our families the chance to be there,” said former coach and namesake of the Track and Field, Bob Sepulveda. “A.J. Cisco and his staff have built something special this year, and Tiger Stadium will be the heartbeat of it all.”

The Week That Changes Everything

Consider what happens in Alamogordo next week:

• A kindergartener nervously walks through the doors of Alamogordo Elementary, clutching a new pencil and backpack

• A sixth grader finds their locker for the first time, amazed at how big middle school really is

• A ninth grader sits in their first high school class, imagining what they might accomplish

• And on the same day, varsity players run onto the field under the New Mexico sun, executing plays they’ve been perfecting all summer

By Friday, August 14, when the JV Tigers face Tularosa’s Wildcats at 4:30 PM at Tularosa High School, the entire district is operating at full capacity. Classrooms are buzzing. Hallways are alive. Football cleats are hitting practice turf.

The Community Unites

“Alamogordo Public Schools is more than a place where academics happen,”staff emphasized. “It’s where community comes together. Whether you’re in the stands supporting varsity, bringing your family to a home game, or cheering on JV and freshman players, you’re part of the Tiger family.”

The 2026 Tigers have their sights set high. With a full schedule featuring district play in 2-5A and aspirations toward the November playoffs, this team carries the hopes of an entire town.

Mark Your Calendars

School Starts:

• Wednesday, August 12: K, 6th, 9th Grade

• Thursday, August 13: All Students

Football Season Kicks Off:

• Thursday, August 13: Varsity Scrimmage vs. Carlsbad (4:00 PM, Ruidoso MS)

• Friday, August 14: JV vs. Tularosa (4:30 PM, Tularosa HS)

First Home Game:

• August 21: Varsity vs. Santa Fe (6:00 PM, Tiger Stadium)

One town. One team. One season ready to begin.

For more information about Alamogordo Public Schools, visit APS online or call 575-812-5565. All games are subject to change; fans should confirm dates and times before attending.

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