By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Del Rio has had an extra day to wipe away the bad taste left over from its homecoming heartbreak, and now they’re ready to get back on track.
A week ago the Rams lost a tough 20-19 decision to the Laredo United South. Turnovers and penalties helped sink the Rams’ chances to earn a win in front of the loudest and rowdiest crowds of the season, but that’s all water under the bridge. This weekend, it’s all about getting back to work against Laredo United. The two teams will meet Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Bill Johnson Student Athletic Complex in Laredo in a battle of 1-1 teams in District 30-6A.
Like the Rams, United won its first district game, 35-25 over South, before losing last week against Eagle Pass, 41-24. And just like the Rams, the Longhorns are looking to get back in the win column and hopefully build some momentum towards a playoff push.
United has had a rough season so far. The Longhorns were 1-4 after their first five games. They lost to Warren by one score, beat Marshall by 11 points, fell by double digits to Seguin and Clemens, and lost to undefeated Harlingen in a shootout, 56-49.
Last week’s loss to Eagle Pass wasn’t as close as the final score would indicate. The Longhorns trailed 31-10 by halftime and scored their final 14 points in the fourth quarter against the Eagles’ reserves.
Make no mistake – United has the firepower to compete. Quarterback Atzel Chavez Jr. has thrown for more than 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns this season while completing just over 58 percent of his passes. He’s also second on the team with 121 yards rushing and leads the ‘Horns with five rushing TDs, so as he goes, so goes United.
When Chavez isn’t carrying the ball, Juan Reyes (306 yards rushing, 3 TDs) or Frank Soto (91 yards, 1 TD) handle the ball-carrying duties. Both players can also catch the ball out of the backfield, a calling card of United’s offense over the years.
Chavez’s main target is Christian Saldana, whom the media in Laredo has taken to calling “the Slim Reaper,” due to his height, his speed and his ability to “kill” defenses. Saldana has more than 700 yards receiving this season and has scored six times to lead all United receivers. Expect he and Chavez to team up and test Del Rio’s experienced secondary.
Defensively, the Longhorns are led by sack leader Andres Torres and a trio of solid tacklers in Tito Margo, Mauricio Gonzalez and Jayven Villasenor, each of which has more than 50 tackles on the season.
For Del Rio to earn a win this weekend the Rams will need to do three major things.
First, the Rams have to protect the ball. Two turnovers against South proved to be the Rams’ undoing. If Del Rio doesn’t throw an interception at the end of the third quarter, the Rams have a good drive building as the fourth quarter begins. If the Rams don’t fumble late in the fourth quarter, the Rams could have taken the lead and gone on to win. The Rams have to protect the ball against United or risk giving the Longhorns more chances to score.
Secondly, the Rams need to cut back on penalties. In its two closest loses, Del Rio has been undone by unnecessary penalties. Against Leander, an illegal block penalty ruined a kickoff return that could have set up the winning score. Against South, a holding penalty wiped out a big pass that, again, could have set up the winning score. Del Rio’s players need to effectively run their plays and not lose sight of staying focused on their roles during the game.
Finally, the defense needs to continue to play up to its recent standards. In Del Rio’s last two games the Rams have allowed a total of 27 points. In their first five games, all losses, the Rams allowed no fewer than 27 points per game. It’s a testament to Del Rio’s solid tackling and defending their assignments. Del Rio’s defensive line needs to put the pressure on Chavez from the beginning and keep him from getting comfortable in the pocket. Saldana will get his catches, but if the Rams can limit his yards after catch then they can neutralize the damage he does.
Saturday night’s game will go a long way to help determine which teams make the playoffs. A win over United would be a big step for the Rams and one they need to take.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
