Local teams hit fields for football scrimmage action

By Manuel Azocar III - Sports Writer/Managing Editor | August 16, 2023

2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

With football workouts underway for the better part of two weeks, teams had the opportunity to face opposition wearing different jerseys last week as the first week of scrimmages kicked off in Texas.
Pearsall traveled to San Antonio to take on the Kennedy Rockets at Edgewood Veterans Stadium on Thursday, August 10.
“We had a good showing on Thursday night,” PHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Ruben DeLeon said. “There were several little adjustments that will need to be made going into this week.
“In the scripted part, we scored once. The defense did a great job flying to the ball and reading their keys.”
DeLeon said that his team really hit its stride during the live action portion of the scrimmage.
“When we played the two live quarters, we had scores from Curtis Coronado Saenz and Kingston Martinez,” he said. “We failed on both two-point conversions as we were trying to work on some pass plays at the goal line.
“On defense, Elijah Luna came down with an interception to cause a turnover that set up great field position for our second score of the half.”
The coach said he was pleased with the effort and execution considering it was the first live action of the year.
“It was a good baseline for us to improve on and work to get better this Thursday against Freer at home,” he said. “We expect a better test and look from a good Freer Buckaroo ball club.”
Dilley hosted Crystal City in its scrimmage Thursday at Gosch Field and AD and Head Football Coach David Silva said he liked what he saw from his defense. Offensively, he said things improved following some improvised adjustments.
“Defensively, we looked really good,” he said. “Kids gang-tackled and were flying to the ball. Offensively, we exchange info on what offense and defense we are gonna run to have to something to practice against; Crystal City told us they were gonna be in a certain defense and they came out in something totally different. They ran a defense that we hadn’t worked on but we adjusted and did better.
“We will have a tough scrimmage with Carrizo Springs this Thursday.”
Cotulla was in La Pryor on Friday for their first action of the year and the team looked sharp according to coaches.
“The boys looked great at the scrimmage, I saw a lot of good things and definitely a few things we need to improve on,” New CHS AD and Head Football Coach Esteban Rodriguez said. “I definitely like the physicality our boys played with, our offensive line was coming off the ball and finishing their blocks.
“Our defensive line matched the intensity, and did a great job of re-establishing the line of scrimmage. They also did a tremendous job using their hands to get rid of blockers.”
Offensively, the coach said he likewise enjoyed what he saw on that end.
“The backs did a great job of hitting the holes and getting downhill,” he said. “I would have to say I was truly impressed with our JV entirely, these young guys were coming off the ball and matching the physicality that our varsity played with.
“We have a great group of athletes, and we are looking forward to the upcoming season.”
Pearsall will host Freer this Thursday at 6 p.m. while Dilley hosts Carrizo Springs the same day at 6 and 7 p.m. Cotulla will also be in action on Thursday as they travel to Charlotte to take on the Trojans for a 6 p.m. contest.