Warhorses, Mustangs collide in District 14-3A showdown; Kickoff at 7pm

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Devine and Natalia both enter Friday night 1-0 in district play and if the opening week of District 14-3A DI play was any indication, this showdown in Warhorse Stadium should come with plenty of fireworks. Although both are beginning district with identical records they arrived there in dramatically different fashions.
The Warhorses opened district play by taking a 62-0 victory over Crystal City and pitching a shutout while turning the scoreboard into a very one-sided affair. Natalia, meanwhile, engaged in a much different kind of offensive fireworks display, outlasting Lytle 60-43 in a game that saw the Mustangs erupt for 38 points in the second half including 24 points in the fourth quarter alone.
And while 60 points would normally be enough to dominate the headlines, Natalia’s offensive production went well beyond the scoreboard as Mustang quarterback Leo Cortinas (#1) carried the ball 39 times for a staggering 468 yards and seven touchdowns as Natalia piled up 687 total yards against the Pirates. Cortinas earned San Antonio Express News Offensive Player of the Week for his Legacy Bowl performance against Lytle.
For Devine Head Coach Jacob Campsey, slowing the Mustang attack starts with slowing down the player at the center of it. “It all starts and ends with their QB who does a phenomenal job operating their offense and is a really good leader and competitor,” Campsey said. “We have to make sure he doesn’t beat us in the run game first and foremost.”
That will be easier said than done as Campsey noted that Natalia does an excellent job creating opportunities for Cortinas in the running game, meaning the Warhorse defense will have to…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!