By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Del Rio’s first trip to Laredo might be one of its most important of the season.
The Rams head to Laredo’s Shirley Field to face the Laredo Martin Tigers tonight at 7 p.m. Both teams are 0-2 on the season, but the Rams are looking to avoid going 0-3 to start the season for the second time in three years.
Del Rio has been outscored 104-20 in its first two games this season – at San Antonio Veterans Memorial and home versus Odessa High. After a strong second half showing against Veterans Memorial, the Rams could not sustain any of their offensive drives in their home debut against Odessa.
Del Rio’s lack of offensive punch came against Odessa from the absence of running back Emiliano Lopez, who rushed for more than 100 yards against Veterans Memorial, and four turnovers including three on offense and one on special teams. For Del Rio to find success, the Rams will need to hold onto the ball and maintain their drives to the end zone.
Martin has had its woes as well. The Tigers have been outscored 77-27 in their two games this season. They dropped their annual rivalry game to Laredo Nixon, 28-13, and then got rolled in week two by Zapata, 49-14.
Martin is an old school, hard-nosed type of team. The Tigers prefer to run the ball behind a trio of running backs – James Villarreal, Dominique Valadez and Diego Navarro. They will pass occasionally, to keep defenses honest, but the Tigers have always preferred to wear down their opponents with a more physical style of offense.
Last season was a lost one for Martin. The Tigers played in only three games after their season was brought to a premature end due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Without any freshmen or junior varsity experience from last season, the Tigers have only three players on their roster with any varsity experience and return just one starter from last year’s squad.
Del Rio can win this game. Quarterback Zack Taylor has a chance to show his leadership chops, but for the Rams to be successful they need to establish their running game early. Elian De La Paz and Bernie Esquivel handled most of the ball-carrying duties against Odessa, but Taylor may need to call his own number more if the Rams want to keep Martin honest. His speed and elusiveness can quickly turn a game around, and that’s key if Del Rio wants to win.
As for the Rams defense, this is their chance to turn things around. Offenses have been finding plenty of running room through the middle of the Rams defenders, so shoring up that gap will be priority number one. The Rams have put the time in the weight room to show they can win the battle up front. Now is the time to put that effort and time to work.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased online at https://gofan.co/app/events/379154?schoolId=TX18420
Fans attending the game also need to bring a mask.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
