By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
One of the best kickers in Del Rio Rams football history is finally getting his due.
Senior Rodrigo Tamez was the only member of this year’s Rams team to earn All-District First Team honors of the 16 players from Del Rio who were recognized. Tamez was named as a First Team selection as a kicker and as a punter. He was also named to the All-District All-Academic Team, one of three Rams to receive the honor this season.
According to MaxPreps, Tamez registered 15 touchbacks in 23 kickoffs. He was also 3-of-5 in field goal attempts and hit on 22-of-23 PATs attempted and was third on the team in scoring.
“Tamez, a standout for the Rams, earned not just one, but two First Team selections this year. He was recognized as both the First Team Kicker and the First Team Punter, showcasing his versatility and skill in special teams,” the San Felipe Del Rio CISD said in a release.
Tamez, who was the Rams Special Teams MVP for the 2023-24 season, was an all-district honorable mention selection as a sophomore but did not earn honors as a junior.
Nine Rams were named to the all-district second team – five on the offensive side and four on the defensive side.
Senior Zane Hughes, who was named all-district as a running back and special teams specialist, concluded his high school football career with his fourth consecutive all-district selection. Del Rio’s true utility player, Hughes played running back, returner and served as a quarterback when the Rams’ first three signal callers were injured. Hughes led the Rams in all-purpose yards and was second on the team in total points and touchdowns.
Senior George Avalos Jr. was named to the second team as a guard. This was Avalos’ only season playing offense after spending his first three years with the Rams as a defensive lineman. He was a second team selection as a sophomore as an interior defensive lineman.
Senior offensive tackle Joaquinn Fuentes was named to his second all-district second team for his high school. He earned the same honors as a sophomore.
Senior Isaac DeHoyos was named to the second team as a center. It was his first all-district selection.
Junior Fermin Rodriguez was a second team fullback for the second straight year. Rodriguez was the Rams’ leading rusher and led the team in touchdowns in his first full season as a Rams starter.
On the defensive side of the ball, senior Moses Fernandez was named to the second team as an inside linebacker. He was third on the team in total tackles and responsible for two caused fumbles. He was an honorable mention selection at linebacker as a junior.
Senior Logan Henderson was selected as a second team linebacker. It was his first all-district selection. He was eighth on the Rams in total tackles.
Junior Yeshua Bocanegra was also a first time selection to the all-district teams, earning second team recognition as an interior defensive lineman. He was second on the team in quarterback hurries.
Junior Jacob Ortiz was named to the second team as a safety. It was his second selection to the all-district second team. He was fifth on the team in tackles but led the team in fumbles recovered.
Six Rams were recognized as honorable mention selections. They were juniors Jayden Mendoza (quarterback), Juan Hernandez (outside linebacker) and Kai Gee (defensive end) and seniors Antonio Rivera (offensive tackle) and Daniel Perez (cornerback) and sophomore Matthew Abrego (outside linebacker). All six honorees made their all-district debuts.
Despite making his varsity debut this year as a sophomore, Abrego led the Rams in tackles with 88 including 53 solo stops and was second on the team in sacks. Hernandez was second on the team with 55 total tackles.
Mendoza played in only four district games due to injury, but he had the game-winning touchdown against Medina Valley and rushed for more than 100 yards against Laredo LBJ.
Ortiz and Rivera joined Tamez on the All-Academic team.
“Congratulations to the 16 student-athletes from the Rams football team who have been selected for All-District honors this year! This prestigious recognition highlights their exceptional performances both on the field and in the classroom. These young athletes have shown dedication, hard work, and talent, making them standout players in the district,” the district’s release stated.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
