Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
After two scrimmages from his team, Coach Lon Cozby has his squad ready for the season-opener Thursday at Randolph as JV1 and JV2 teams combine for one game at 5pm. The JV Horses traveled to Geronimo to take on the Navarro Panthers last Thursday in their final tune up for the 2024 season.
“Navarro was a good, physical team and I have to admit they did have our number in the beginning,” Cozby said to begin his weekly recap. “We continued to battle hard and even though it may have taken a while, we did find our groove.”
Ryan Weinkam scored the first touchdown for Devine on a 60-yard run as he “was able to highlight his speed” on the play.
“We were able to get in a set that gave the defense fits. Ryan did a great job jumping inside of Steven Montes’ block, followed Ivan Iglesias, then bounced back outside and outran the safeties. Cole Reyes also had a key block on the outside to keep the corner out of the play.”
One thing about Devine, their battering-style offense up front usually takes its toll on opposing down-linemen.
“Our offensive line was able to wear down their big boys up front over time. We play fast, and our speed and intensity were just too much for them.”
Several Horses had a hand in that development as Cozby pointed out.
“Andres Hernandez had another terrific game at center. We did have some hiccups early, but I chalk that up to nerves. Johnny Davis is getting better at guard, learning our schemes in his first year playing for Devine. Bubba Gomez, Fabian Reyes, and Ivan are really playing hard seeing how they are freshmen on JV1. Chris Sanchez played great filling in at guard and center. Dylan Hinnant and Andres Padilla also help make holes for the running backs at the tight end position. Carlos Talamantes blocks well too, and he also had a carry for over 10 yards Thursday!”
With a dependable line up front, it usually opens things up for the passing game as well. Well, it is still early in the season and that is still one area of improvement Devine continues to work on.
“Cole and Lucas Hudson are our go to guys at wide receiver, but Navarro was not giving us the time needed to throw the ball. However, they both had catches against Cotulla a week earlier and will have many more throughout the year.”
Known for their running game over the past couple of decades, the run-first styled offense will get their share of carries this season even if it gets tricky for Cozby from time to time.
“Our backfield is one of the fastest and talented that I have coached in a while which makes it tough on me to get them all the amount of carries they deserve week-in and week-out, but it is something to keep the defense guessing. Ryan and Jeremy Steinbrunner are always one tackle away from breaking loose for big runs. Hayden Martin is getting better at blocking and continues to work on his speed and power. Steven had some good runs to go with his great blocks. Sergio De Leon was finally back after sitting out a year with an injury. He had a good scrimmage blocking and added some nice runs. Plus, we had yet another freshmen moved up, Enoch Hall, and he has tremendous speed and great vision as well.”
Devine’s last touchdown was late in the scrimmage, and it came from the recent call-up.
“On the fifth play of our last possession, Enoch followed a wall of blockers and bolted to the corner of the endzone. Even though it was from only 10-yards out, it displayed what we are as a team as Enoch stayed patient, then when he found his opening, he was gone.”
The JVB Warhorses are ready to hold the line. Photo by B Howard.