By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
If the foremost guide to football in the state of Texas is to be believed, Del Rio should expect a return to the playoffs in 2021.
The annual Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine hit shelves earlier this summer, carrying with it the hopes and dreams of football programs across the Lone Star State. For Del Rio Rams fans, Campbell’s sees the team finishing fourth in what should be a competitive District 30-6A race, beating out Laredo Alexander, Laredo Nixon and Laredo LBJ.
Laredo United is projected to win the district crown followed by defending champions Eagle Pass and last year’s surprising contenders Laredo United South in third.
It’s not hard to believe the prediction the Rams could finish fourth. Del Rio finished third last season, but notched wins over Alexander and United South. A close loss to United and a blowout loss to Eagle Pass in the regular season finale doomed the Rams to a third place finish and an exit in the Bi-District round of the playoffs.
Gone from that team is the starting quarterback, starting running back, two starting wide receivers, as well as seven all-district honorees from the team’s vaunted Blue Shield defense.
But the cupboard isn’t bare for Del Rio.
Pablo Galaviz, who saw some time at running back last season, returns with some additional muscle packed on. He’s projected to be the starting running back this season and could fill the void left by the departure of college-bound Aiden Huerta.
Wide receiver Jovahn West, who was a dangerous weapon on special teams, should be healed from a knee injury and ready to contribute once again.
Versatile quarterback Zack Taylor, a sophomore, will bring his speed and size to the backfield and could give the Rams an added dimension not seen out of the quarterback position in many years.
Add to that returning all-district linemen Anthony Huizar and Diego Garcia and all-district tight end Abel Ortiz and things aren’t looking too bad on the offensive side of the ball.
On defense, first-team linebacker Jesus De Luna will look to finish his high school career with another stellar season. Senior Diego Piña will solidify the linebacking corps that will get help from returners such as defensive lineman Nathan Mayes, defensive tackle Lonnie Green, defensive back Orlando Venegas and defensive linemen Oscar Duran and Manuel Padilla.
Last season the Rams, like every other team in the district, faced a truncated season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite that, the Rams persevered. Del Rio was supposed to open its season against Southwest Legacy then have an open week before the start of district play. Instead, Del Rio picked up a game against the private school Cornerstone before rolling into 30-6A competition.
Del Rio went 4-2 in district and stayed in contention for the district title until a loss in the final week of the regular season. The Rams got rolled by San Antonio Brennan in the playoffs, 48-0, but just returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 was a feat in its own for the team and second-year head coach Rod Taylor.
Due to having spring football, the Rams won’t begin practice until Monday, Aug. 9. The Rams’ first game of the season is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26 when they travel to San Antonio to face the Veterans Memorial Patriots at 7 p.m.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
