By Brian Argabright
For the first time since 2016, the Del Rio Rams football team had multiple first team all-district selections.
The Rams finished third in District 30-6A this season, going 4-2 in district play. That successful run helped the Rams rack up 18 total all-district selections, the most for the program since Del Rio had 22 selections following the 2016 season.
The list was released to the public over the weekend after Laredo United South, the last 30-6A school still in the playoffs, was eliminated from the postseason by Cibolo Steele on Saturday.
Ten of Del Rio’s all-district honorees played defense, but the offense had its fair share of representatives including three first-team selections, two second teamers and three honorable mention selections.
Leading the way was senior running back Aiden Huerta, a unanimous first team selection. Del Rio’s leading rusher, Huerta led the team in total touchdowns during district play with 10 including nine rushing scores. After splitting time at the position as a junior, Huerta took over as Del Rio’s top ball carrier. His best game came against Laredo United South when he rushed for more than 200 yards and scored three touchdowns including the 42-yard game-winning race to the end zone with two seconds left in the game.
Senior wide receiver Ricky Haynes was also a first-team selection. Haynes, who earned second-team honors as a junior, often lined up in the wildcat formation for the Rams, showing off his versatility. He scored six total touchdowns, but his most memorable came against Laredo United South when he out-jumped three South defenders for a pass from Victor Medina and then outran them to the end zone for a 57-yard touchdown. The play wound up making MaxPreps’ top 10 plays of the week.
Senior tackle Isaac Salazar was also a unanimous first team honoree. Salazar, an honorable mention selection as a junior, was one of the Rams’ most versatile linemen, able to play multiple positions on the line, and one of the most durable. He was also one of the most important pieces to the Rams’ offense, playing left tackle and protecting the quarterback’s blind side.
Two other members of the Rams offensive line earned second team honors – junior guard Anthony Huizar and junior center Diego Garcia.
Garcia and Huizar formed a 1-2 punch when it came Del Rio’s first line of defense. They helped punch open holes for Huerta, Haynes and any other member of the Rams’ backfield that was called on to carry the ball. Their work helped lead to Del Rio racking up 14 rushing touchdowns in district play.
Sophomore Jovahn West was the only Rams 10th grader to earn all-district honors, finishing his first varsity season as an all-district honorable mention. Unfortunately his season ended due to a leg injury against United South, but before his injury he was one of Del Rio’s most dangerous weapons. His speed allowed him to score a pair of touchdowns including a kickoff return touchdown against Laredo Nixon.
Junior Abel Ortiz was also an honorable mention selection at tight end. Though listed as a linebacker on the roster, Ortiz showed his versatility by moving to offense and working as a sixth blocker for the Rams on a line that had three other all-district selections.
Junior Arnulfo Ramirez was an honorable mention selection as a punter. Ramirez was a regular on the field during special teams, whether it was a punter or as a defender. His kicking improved throughout the season and he was able to help flip the field for the Rams on multiple occasions.
