Sabinal stops Wolves 14-6 in football season opener

By Manuel Azocar III - Sports Writer/Managing Editor | September 1, 2022

Dilley was ‘stuck in the mud’ offensively in their opener against Sabinal last week. The team was held to 154 yards of offense in a 14-6 loss.
(Courtesy photo: Mirabella Castaneda)

Coaches will say that football is won in the trenches and Dilley Athletic Director and Head Football Coach David Silva would likely agree after his team dropped a 14-6 defensive battle to the Sabinal Yellowjackets in the season opener last Friday, August 26 at Gosch Field.
“It was exactly the kind of game I expected,” Silva said. “I knew Sabinal was gonna be tough, especially up front with five senior lineman, and that’s where we were inexperienced Friday night. We had three players on both sides of the ball with Friday night game experience.”
Despite the outcome, the coach sees plenty of upside in his squad with the necessary changes and improvements.
“The improvement from game one to game two is of utmost importance,” he said. “Sabinal’s front seven kept our run game in check and we’ve still gotta improve in our passing game, especially the pass protection.”
Silva was also disappointed that with speedy playmakers on his roster, the Wolves weren’t able to capitalize and make big plays.
“We have to put the ball in all of our playmaker’s hands, and we have four game changers,” Silva said. “Our boys are fine, the Sabinal game was a perfect learning experience. We played a good team, it was a close game late, and special teams play was crucial.”
Dorian Aranda accounted for Dilley’s only points as he took a pass from Seth Cano and went 46 yards for a touchdown.
Sabinal struck first on a short scoring run to grab a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. Dilley then tied the game up on Aranda’s score. Sabinal then won the game in the fourth with its second touchdown.
In a defensive struggle, the Wolves accounted for 154 total yards and six first downs while holding Sabinal to 152 yards and ten first downs.
The bulk of the Dilley offense came via the ground game and three turnovers also proved costly for Dilley.
Dorian Aranda paced the Wolves with 63 yards of total offense and a score.
Colton Ward rushed for 43 yards on seven carries.
Defensively, Esai Lozano finished with 11 tackles while Aiden Gonzalez had eight tackles including one for a loss.
Bubba Reyes and Johnny Rodriguez both tallied seven tackles apiece.
The Wolves will hit the road this week to take on the San Antonio Christian Lions Friday, September 2 at 7:30 p.m. The Lions are coming off a 48-27 loss to Nixon-Smiley in their opener last week.