By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Del Rio’s final dress rehearsal before the football season begins couldn’t have gone any better for the Rams.
The team allowed just one touchdown in a pair of scrimmages against Eagle Pass C.C. Winn and Ft. Stockton Friday evening at Walter Levermann Ram Stadium.
The lone score allowed by Del Rio came from Winn’s first team offense versus the Rams’ second team defense, according to Rams head coach Roderick Taylor.
Del Rio’s first team offense showed off its skill on its first possession against Ft. Stockton. Del Rio scored on two of its first five possessions. The first was a 96-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Zack Taylor to wide receiver Alan Dobbins. The second score came via a touchdown run by Ethan Matherne.
In the simulated quarter against Ft. Stockton, the two teams let their defenses do that talking as neither team was able to find the end zone. The closest to a score either team came was a field goal attempt that Ft. Stockton clanged off the right upright.
Del Rio scored twice against C.C. Winn in their simulated quarter. Rams backup quarterback Eliseo “Cheo” Ortiz threw a touchdown pass to Dobbins for Del Rio’s first score, and then Taylor hit Zane Hughes on a crossing route that turned into a 75-yard catch and run for a score with less than two minutes to play in the quarter.
Coach Taylor was pleased with his players on both sides of the ball during all the times they were on the field.
Hughes also showed off his moves, evading defenders and putting his head down to get those tough yards inside the 20-yard line. His work was cheered on by his teammates on the sidelines.
“Our offense scored like seven or nine total touchdowns including a 96-yard TD pass to Alan Dobbins and a 67-yard TD pass to Jovahn West thrown by Taylor. Dobbins had three TD catches on the night. Zack Taylor threw six TDs and no interceptions. Elíseo Ortiz threw a nice TD pass as well. Matherne had a rushing TD,” Coach Taylor said.
Taylor also complimented his defense on its play during the scrimmage.
“Defensively, Sammy Flores had an INT and a tackle for loss and Fabian Venegas had a pass break up. Manuel Padilla and LJ Green each had numerous sacks and tackles for loss. John Chaney excelled at the (middle) linebacker spot with numerous stops in the backfield,” Taylor said.
The consensus from players and coaches was that a strong week of practice turned into a good showing from Del Rio in its final tune-up before the regular season begins. The team also escaped without too many injuries aside, especially among the starters. The players were enthusiastic about their performance as well.
Del Rio will enter this week focused on Friday’s season opener against Roosevelt at San Antonio’s Heroes Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Tickets will go on sale later this week.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
