By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Football is back, though it may take a few days for things to flow smoothly for the Del Rio Rams.
Monday afternoon signaled a return to the field for the Rams coaches and players. The first practice began slowly as just around 30 players were cleared to begin while the remainder waited for word that their up-to-date physicals and registration in the Rank One system was completed. By the end of practice, the number of players taking part had more than doubled, giving observers a better glimpse at the season ahead.
Rams head coach Rod Taylor, who is entering his fourth season at the helm, is building on back-to-back playoff appearances by the Rams. But despite making the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, Del Rio has not advanced past the bi-district round. In fact, Del Rio has been outscored in its last two playoff games by a count of 90-7.
Del Rio has a strong group of players returning, led by District 30-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year quarterback Zack Taylor and all-district first team defensive lineman Lonnie Green Jr. Both will be expected to be leaders on their respective sides of the ball, but they’ll get plenty of help from their teammates who spent most of the first day of practice getting acclimated to the new turf at Walter Levermann Ram Stadium and redeveloping a tolerance to the brutal Texas heat.
The team was also introduced to the coaching staff that included several new faces and a few familiar faces, such as former coach Stephen Thomas, Greg Torres, a former Del Rio Fire Department fire fighter turned coach who was the starting quarterback for the Rams in 2016; and new defensive coordinator Eloy Gloria, who served as the co-defensive coordinator last season alongside Nick Mendez, who left Del Rio this summer and joined the East Central coaching staff.
Taylor, however, was more concerned about the low number of players who were cleared to begin practicing when the first whistle blew around 5:45 p.m. He said the lack of players who had completed all of their required forms prior to practice was disappointing, especially from his returners and his seniors. He said he and his coaches did their best to remind the players that attended the voluntary summer workout and conditioning sessions to have those forms ready by the start of practice.
According to some parents, the demand to get the forms completed was so much that it crashed the Rank One system for a short period, preventing anyone from uploading their information. It was back up again after a short delay.
While the team spent Monday at Ram Stadium, the next few days of practice will be held at the field at Del Rio Middle School to accommodate the freshmen, junior varsity and varsity players that will be taking part. Taylor added that the Rams’ annual media day would be held Saturday but the location was still undecided due to the readiness of the field at Ram Stadium.
Regardless of the location, players will have their photos taken between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The players will then return around 6 p.m. for the annual Blue and White Scrimmage.
While it’s difficult to gauge a team on the first day of practice, especially when the full team isn’t present, Del Rio will have a number of day one contributors ready to go when the season starts. The number of returners coupled with a strong sophomore class could signal a special season ahead for Del Rio.
Del Rio opens its season Friday, Aug. 26, against San Antonio Roosevelt at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
