By Brian Argabright
With just four days left until the spring football game, the Rams will be using the week to get those final touches in shape and polished before the game and the extended hiatus to follow.
Del Rio’s spring football game is set for Friday at 7 p.m. at Walter Levermann Ram Stadium. According to Rams head football coach Rod Taylor, San Felipe Del Rio CISD Superintendent Dr. Carlos Rios has instructed athletic director Ric Smith to waive previous seating restrictions due to COVID and allow in as many fans as possible. Admission fee – deodorant, body wash or shampoo.
“These products will keep our Rams clean,” Taylor said.
The spring football season has been a different one than in years past for the Rams. The team’s coaches were broken into two groups and the players that participated were drafted onto those teams. They have spent the spring apart, aside from working together in 7-on-7 football, and will meet up again Friday night.
The White team is led by offensive coordinator Davin Hawkins while the Blue team is led by defensive coordinator Nick Mendez.
As for the players, the first 20 players selected were a mix of savvy veterans and relative newcomers. Hawkins had the first pick and went with quarterback Zachary Taylor, head coach Taylor’s son. Staying true to his roots, Mendez chose linebacker, and 2020 all-district first team selection, Jesus De Luna.
The teams got their first look at one another this past weekend as part of a scrimmage at Ram Stadium. The White team picked up the win, 21-0, but Taylor said there were plenty of strong performances for both teams.
“Mitch Melton made five outstanding grabs for around 90 yards and almost pulled in a circus catch in the end zone and was the standout on the Blue offense. Alan Dobbins caught all three touchdown passes for the White team and Zachary Taylor threw two of them,” Taylor said. “On defense, Ceasar Diaz, a linebacker, had the big hit of the day.”
Fans weren’t allowed in the stadium, but some gathered at the fence around the stadium to catch a glimpse of what was going on. Taylor said he hopes that anticipation carries over into Friday’s game.
“The spring game should be interesting. I hope we can make this a real game environment. A lot of parents haven’t seen their kids play and the young players that will start the game next year need that experience under the lights,” Taylor said.
