By Brian Argabright
If the Rams want to end their current playoff drought, Friday’s game against Laredo Alexander is huge a step in that direction.
Del Rio is 2-1 in District 30-6A with three games left to play. That includes Alexander (1-2), Laredo United South (2-1) and Eagle Pass (4-0). A win over any of those three teams guarantees the Rams a spot in the postseason.
Alexander has struggled this season. After winning a shootout against Nixon, 44-40, the Bulldogs dropped their next game to United South, 35-13, then got doubled up against Eagle Pass, 48-24.
Del Rio had no answers for the Bulldogs last season, falling 41-6. Alexander had a 27-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and the Rams were never able to recover.
But that was then, and this is now.
Head coach Rod Taylor, in his second year, has seen his high-powered offense put up nearly 33 points per game in district play. That effort has allowed his defense to get significant rest and hit the field more aggressively and able to put the pressure on whichever quarterback is placed before them.
Defensive end Jaden Talamantez has feasted on the left tackles placed before him. He leads the Rams in sacks and is the driver’s seat for the district’s defensive player of the year award. However, the defense isn’t a one-man show.
The De Luna brothers, Alejandro and Jesus, have become a dangerous 1-2 punch. Alejandro is right behind Talamantez in terms of sacks and is among the team leaders in tackles for a loss. Jesus has become adept at filling passing lanes and either picking off passes or batting them down.
Add to them the silent but steady presence of Andrew Garza and Del Rio’s front line may be more than many teams can handle.
On offense, quarterback Victor Medina is coming off a four-touchdown game. He has allowed his wide receivers – Ricky Haynes, Jovahn West and Marcus Leak – and running back Aiden Huerta to do damage by putting the ball in their hands efficiently and letting their speed do the work. Haynes had three touchdowns to lead the group against Nixon, but all four paid a trip to the end zone.
Friday night’s game will be closed to the general public, due to COVID-19 restrictions, but fans can watch the game online through the Laredo United ISD’s official YouTube page. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
