By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Editor’s Note: After this story was published, former Rams head football coach Rod Taylor contacted the 830 Times to inform them that sophomore Zane Hughes had also been named all-district first team as a specialist. That designation did not appear on any of the documents forwarded to the 830 Times by Taylor initially, but it was later learned that specific position was omitted from documents accidentally as a player from Laredo United South was also recognized as an all-district specialist and was later recognized. This story reflects the change and now mentions Hughes alongside Corbin Farrar as the two Rams who earned dual all-district honors.
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Fifteen members of the Del Rio Rams football team earned all-district honors following a season in which Del Rio finished third in a wild district schedule.
Del Rio was the final team from District 30-6A to be eliminated from the playoffs thus allowing the list to be released publicly.
The Rams occupied 17 slots on the first team, second team and honorable mention teams combined, but two players earned the honor of receiving two all-district recognitions for two different positions.
Senior Corbin Farrar was voted as an all-district first team punter and as a second team all-district wide receiver. A transfer from New Mexico prior to his junior year, Farrar showed his athletic ability no matter where he lined up. An all-purpose player, Farrar was the Rams’ top possession receiver, picking up key first downs when needed and making the occasional acrobatic catch. He had two receiving scores in five district games. His punts also helped turn the field to the Rams’ favor as he often buried teams inside their own 20-yard line.
Also earning dual honors was sophomore Zane Hughes. Hughes was a first team selection as a specialist and was a second team selection at running back. It was his second all-district honor as he was named a second team selection at slot wide receiver as a freshman. Hughes was the magician of the Rams, able to turn short passes into big gains by escaping from defenders with his speed and agility. He scored five touchdowns in district including one on a kickoff return, three rushing, including an 89-yard sprint to the end zone, and one receiving.
Farrar and Hughes were two of four Rams to earn First Team recognition on offense. Joining them were junior quarterback Zack Taylor and senior fullback Angel Martinez.
Taylor, in his second full season as Rams quarterback, followed up his sophomore campaign with a more balanced approach as a junior. While he didn’t do as much damage with his legs as a junior, his passing numbers, especially when it came to turnovers, improved. He finished the district schedule with nine passing TDs and two more rushing. He was named the district’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore and missed being a unanimous selection at quarterback his junior year by one vote, according to former Rams head coach Rod Taylor.
Martinez made the most of his senior season with the Rams, providing Taylor with another target out of the backfield. Serving as a hybrid fullback/tight end, Martinez provide his value late in the season when he was able to pick up big chunks of yards out of short, safe passes. He had one receiving score in district play.
Three Rams were named to the all-district first team defense.
Junior Manuel Padilla was a First Team selection as an interior lineman. Known as “Palu” to his teammates, Padilla’s size made him a formidable foe for any offensive lineman or back brave enough to step in his way. The team’s sack leader, Padilla has already established himself as a front-runner for defensive MVP as a senior.
Senior cornerback Juan “Chili” Peralta and senior safety Sammy Flores were also first team selections.
Peralta, a unanimous selection by the district’s coaches, was already on team’s radar after his junior season in which he was named to the all-district second team. This season, he stepped up his game and helped establish himself as one of the best in 30-6A. His acrobatic interception against Eagle Pass was one of four INTs he made in district play including two against Laredo LBJ.
Flores was almost a throwback safety for the Rams. Fast, smart and unafraid to stick his nose into any play to get at the ball carrier, Flores nearly missed out on being a unanimous all-district selection. He had one interception during district play, but made several key stops when it mattered.
Five Rams joined Farrar and Hughes on the all-district second team – two on offense and three on defense.
Junior Alan Dobbins was also a second team selection at wide receiver. As a sophomore he was a first team selection at specialist. Dobbins battled through injury for much of the season, but when he was on the field he was one of Del Rio’s most dangerous weapons. He scored three touchdowns for Del Rio in district play.
Sophomore Joaquin Fuentes made his first all-district team when he was named to the second team as a guard. Despite his youth, Fuentes, who stands 6’ 2” and weighs around 310 pounds, was key to the Rams establishing their rushing attack. The bad news for the rest of 30-6A is he will only get better.
Sophomore George Avalos Jr. was named to the second team as an interior lineman. Avalos’ size – 6’ 2”, 241 – hid his speed from blockers who had a hard time dealing with the young lion. He was quick to pressure quarterbacks and often time found himself in and around the ball evidenced by his fumble recovery against Laredo Alexander.
Senior Lonnie Green Jr. was a second team selection at defensive end. A first team selection as a junior, Green faced new challenges as a senior as teams had to game plan for the quick and crafty end and threw a variety of obstacles his way. He still performed well enough to be honored by the district’s coaches.
Senior John Chaney was an all-district second team selection at inside linebacker. Chaney made the most of his first year as a full-time starter, often making those second level tackles that prevented plays from becoming big headaches for the Rams. He registered a sack in his final home game against Eagle Pass, leaving it all on the field.
Three Rams were also named to 30-6A’s all-district honorable mention team.
Senior Bradan Ludemann was named as a safety, senior Jovahn West was named as a wide receiver, and sophomore Rodrigo Tamez was named as place kicker.
Ludemann, who was an honorable mention at safety as a junior, had another strong season. He had an interception and a forced fumble, but was also a solid defender and possibly the team’s hardest hitter.
West was another of Del Rio’s versatile weapons on offense. West scored a pair of receiving touchdowns in district play, but he also returned kicks and ran the ball throughout the district schedule.
Tamez continues to be one of the most solid members of the Rams special teams unit. Against Laredo Alexander he showed his versatility, hitting three PATs and three field goals in a win that helped propel the Rams into the playoff hunt.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
