Rizo and Fregia sign with Sul Ross State

Caden Fregia and Ray Rizo were surrounded by family and friends as they signed their letters of intent to play football at Sul Ross State.

Natalia Mustang Seniors Ray Rizo and Caden Fregia will be continuing their football careers, as they made it official last week in the Natalia High School Cafeteria. The two talented 1-2 punch Mustangs, were able to sign their letters of intent to play football for the Sul Ross State Lobos beginning in the 2018-2019 season. These two men marked #15 and #16 in reference to the number of athletes who had signed to continue their collegiate careers in the past six seasons under the Graves-Martinez tenure.
Ray Rizo
If many recall, two seasons ago Mr. Ray Rizo was rushed off the football field in Dilley with little to no feeling in his body. He was eventually airlifted to San Antonio and was not sure if he would ever walk again, much less worry about his career in football.
Through tireless rehab and a determination like non-other, Rizo rebounded, got medically cleared and led the Natalia Mustangs on the ground to their best football season since the 1989 Mustangs breaking the playoff drought dating back to 2003.
Rizo was a four varsity sport athlete (Football, Track, Powerlifting, Baseball). The 5’11” senior received the Offensive MVP in 15-3A this past season and was a 2nd Team All-District athlete two seasons ago. He rushed for over 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns and also received for over 500 yards with 5 touchdowns. Rizo was also 2-2-102 yards passing which combined for 3,023 all purpose yards with 33 total touchdowns in his career.
Defensively, he had 95 tackles for a loss, 7 QB hurries, 2 sacks and one fumble recovery.
Rizo is the son of Michelle and Ray Rizo and the brother of Miranda, Megan and Ryan Rizo.
Caden Fregia
Caden Fregia came to Natalia six years ago with his father Coach Chad Graves and went from being just another athlete to one of the toughest hard working athletes on the football every Friday night.
This one man would turn a four yard gain into a seven yard gain on second effort and worked tirelessly to help turn the tide in Natalia.
Fregia, was a member of the National Honor Society, AB Honor Roll, Area Qualifier and one year Track Letterman, All-District honors and two year lettermen in baseball, one year letterman in basketball and was a member of the regional and state powerlifting teams.
In 2017, Fregia was a 1st Team All-District RB and the District MVP for 15-3A. In 2016 he was a 1st Team All-DIstrict RB and in 2015, he was a 2nd Team All-District RB.
He rushed for over 1,200 yards with 16 TDs and also caught passes for over 600 yards with 1 touchdown. He also passed 27-36-239 and accounted for a total of 2,104 yards with 17 touchdowns.
Defensively, he had 166 tackles for a loss, 7 QB hurries,1 caused fumble, 1 fumble recovery and one huge blocked field goal.
Caden is the son of Chad and Leah Graves and the brother of Catherine and Cameron Graves.
Best of luck to these two talented young men as they round out their careers at Natalia High School. As you transition from a Mustang to a Lobo, work hard, #TTP and never forget where you came from.
By Eric Smith