Hit the lights

By Manuel Azocar III - Sports Writer/Managing Editor | August 23, 2023

2023 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

PEARSALL’s Kingston Martinez barrels over a pair of Freer defenders on a first down carry during the Mavericks’ scrimmage last week against the Buckaroos. The team will open the regular season this week in San Antonio against South San West Campus. (CURRENT photo: Manuel Azocar III)

Local teams had their final dress rehearsals last week, scrimmaging for the last time as preparations now turn to the football regular season this Friday.
Pearsall hosted the Freer Buckaroos on Thursday, August 17 and outscored them three touchdowns to none in a set of scripted series. The Mavericks then topped the Buckaroos 13-12 in the live quarter.
Cotulla hit the road to take on Charlotte last Thursday while Dilley was at Carrizo Springs for their final tune-up.
“It was a good showing for us for the most part,” PHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Ruben De Leon said. “We got to work on certain aspects in the controlled portion, offensively, that we needed to see live against an opponent.
“I was not content with our intensity at the start of the live quarters; I felt like we came out flat on defense and offense and Freer was able to capitalize on our lack of energy, putting up two scores on their opening two drives.”
DeLeon said he was pleased with how his team responded to the effort from Freer as they bounced back and played better to finish the workout.
“As a staff, we were happy the boys refocused at the tail end to be able and come back and win’ the live quarter scrimmage,” he said. “Going into this week we’re looking to build off of what we have done as a team.”
Going into the season opener this week against San Antonio South San West Campus, the coach said his staff is prepared for the Cougars’ best effort on Friday night.
“Everyone in the state is looking for their first win, so we expect West Campus to come out ready to play,” he said. “We cannot afford to take them lightly.
“As a team, we need to make sure we focus on us and be the best we can be for this Friday.”
Pearsall hits the field for their season opener on Friday, August 25 at 7 p.m. At San Antonio’s South San Stadium.
Cotulla AD and Head Football Coach Esteban Rodriguez said he used the opportunity to work on depth and give some of his younger players a chance to step up.
“The boys competed at a high level, taking advantage of the limited reps we received,” he said. “We focused on creating quality depth in various positions, and this was a great opportunity to do so.
“We had a few young players step up to the challenge.”
Cotulla will make the trip to Corpus Christi this Friday to take on the West Oso Bears in their opener.
“Our boys worked hard all off-season and summer to prepare for this season, they are looking forward to getting out there and competing,” Rodriguez said. “We are relatively healthy to start the season at both the varsity and JV level. This is always a good thing considering the physicality we practice with on a daily basis.”
Dilley took on the Wildcats and DHS AD and Head Football Coach David Silva said he was pleased with what he saw on the field.
“The boys had an outstanding scrimmage, defensively, they got after it,” he said. “We teach read and react, don’t overthink it nor be slow off the ball.
“Offensively, we have the weapons to be explosive, our biggest improvement is on our offensive line play. They’ve put in the work this summer and it shows.”
Silva said the team seems to be putting it together.
“Things are beginning to come together and the implementation of the system is in,” he said.
Dilley will open its season this Friday at Sabinal to take on the Yellowjackets.
“Sabinal is a 16-point favorite and they beat us last year, they went on to go 11-1, so we have our work cut out this Friday.”