ONE STEP AHEAD

By Manuel Azocar III - Sports Writer/Managing Editor | November 5, 2025

ANNUAL IH-35 RIVALRY

Cowboys force late turnovers, top Dilley 26-14 in annual clash.

Cotulla forced a pair of fourth quarter turnovers and held off a Dilley rally to claim a crucial 26-14 win, not only for bragging rights in the annual rivalry between the neighboring schools, but to also pick up a needed win in District 15-3A, Division II play.
The Cowboys improved to 3-3 in the standings with the win and sit a game ahead of Natalia, Dilley and Nixon-Smiley in the standings.
Nixon is the team to beat, however, as the Mustangs would hold the head-to-head tiebreaker edge over the Cowboys.
The Mustangs will take on second place Stockdale in their finale while Cotulla will be at Karnes City this Friday.
With a win, Cotulla would cement its spot in the postseason but could still get in should they lose so long as Stockdale tops the Mustangs.
“As for our playoff chances, after starting district 0-3, I have been telling the boys that the playoffs started in week four of district play against Natalia,” CHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Esteban Rodriguez said. “We have taken it week by week, and given ourselves an opportunity to achieve that goal. We will not place much emphasis on the other teams in the district that would help us as far as the playoffs are concerned. We will focus on beating Karnes City this week, and outright earning a berth in the state playoffs.
“Karnes City has been playing really well, and we are looking forward to a great matchup.”
Playoffs aside, the win over Dilley proved twice as sweet as it not only kept the team in contention, it avenged a bitter loss from a year ago in which Cotulla led 16-0 before falling to the Wolves.
“It was definitely a big win for not only our program, but the town as a whole,” the coach said. “After giving the game away last year, this win has been long awaited. The boys played well offensively, and defensively, making plays in crucial times of the game.

Cotulla’s Brayden Rodriguez returned from an injury and provided an instant spark to the Cowboys’ offense with several clutch receptions, including this grab that led to a second half score. Cotulla won the annual clash against Dilley 26-14 Friday evening at Meyers Memorial Stadium. (CURRENT photo: Manuel Azocar III)

“Offensively, we had big games from junior quarterback Frank Torres, and wide receiver Brayden Rodriguez. This was Rodriguez’ first game back after sustaining an injury in the first game of district against Nixon Smiley, and his presence was definitely felt in the pass game.”
Rodriguez lauded the play of senior linebacker Ricardo Ruiz, and junior defensive lineman Deric Aldaco in the win.
“These two anchored the defense all night, and came up with big plays in crucial times of the game,” he said. “Not to mention the interception by junior Roberto Perales that sealed the deal. We are extremely proud of our boys and feel that we are peaking at the right time.”
Dilley AD and Head Football Coach David Silva likewise complimented another fine effort in the series from both squads.
“It was another good ballgame between us,” he said of the contest. “We had our chances, we just couldn’t eliminate the turnovers and momentum stopping penalties.”
Dilley’s postseason hopes were dashed with the loss and the Wolves would need a win over the top team in the district in Poth this Friday and some help to finish in a three-way tie for fourth. Dilley, however, does not hold any tiebreakers and have been mathematically eliminated.
After a scoreless first quarter, Cotulla took a 14-7 lead at halftime after scoring at the second quarter buzzer.
Torres opened the scoring on the first play of the second as he called his own number and broke off right tackle and went 97 yards, untouched for the score.
Dilley answered late in the half as Juan Garcia capped a lengthy Wolves’ drive with a four-yard touchdown run to tie it up at 7-7.
Torres hit Rodriguez over the middle on a key play on Cotulla’s ensuing drive. He then found Perales from eight-yards out at the buzzer to put the Cowboys on top 14-7 at halftime.
Cotulla seemed to take control in the third as they went up 20-7 as Torres went in for his third score of the night with 8:56 left in the third.
Dilley, however, answered once more as Garcia scored his second touchdown of the night from eight yards out to make it 20-14.
The Wolves had a pair of possessions in the fourth to tie or possibly take the lead but the first ended in a fumble following a penalty that pushed the Wolves in a third and very long situation.
The second was nixed when Perales stepped in front of a pass and went 50 yards for a score to seal the win for the Cowboys.