SPECIAL DATA CENTER MEETING COMING UP

At this weeek’s meeting, Lytle City Council took action to approve a special meeting on Oct. 19 at the Lytle Community Center to address data center development in the community.
On a motion by Emery, seconded by District 2 Alderman Richard Hughes, the council approved the meeting by a 4-0 vote.
Meadows said the meeting was an opportunity to specifically address the “hot button” issue without bringing the monthly regular meeting agenda to a standstill.

Lytle currently has two data center developments pending. Work is underway by Rowan Digital Infrastructure on a 440-acre data center campus known as “Project Cinco” just north of Interstate 35 inside Lytle’s extra territorial jurisdiction. Also, Denver-based developer Tract has announced a proposed 344.5 acre combined data center and business park to be located in the Bexar County portion of the city.
Rodriguez asked Meadows if the meeting would address a particular project or data centers in general. Meadows replied that it would concern “a particular project and the special request they have made relating to that project.”

Medina County votes for Tax Increase

By Anton Riecher
By unanimous vote, Medina County commissioners adopted the same property tax rate as last year ($0.4434 per $100 valuation Monday), which will generate a 7.25% increase in overall property tax revenue. The estimated bill for a median homestead will be $1,135.
Commissioners also unanimously approved a budget of $85.7 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and a precinct 2 special road tax rate of $0.0364, described as a 4.3 percent increase.
In the wake of rising costs in health insurance, road materials and other necessities, delivering a balanced budget has been difficult, County Judge Keith Lutz said.
“I and the team have been through this budget over and over,” he said. “I have made at least five passes through it personally. We did everything we could. Obviously, we have to make up a lot of ground to get it back to even here.”
The property tax increase will raise total revenue by 7.25 percent ($2,060,781) compared to the previous year. Out of that increase, $1,727,263 represents tax revenue to be raised from new properties added to the tax roll this year.
Nearly 42 percent of the budget will be funded from the new tax rate. The rest will come from other revenue sources and cash balances.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Jessica Castiglioni put forward the motion to approve the tax rate, seconded by Precinct 3 Commissioner Larry Sittre. On the budget, Precinct 3 Commissioner David Lynch made the motion, seconded by Precinct 4 Commissioner Danny Lawler.
During a public hearing preceding the vote, Lutz reviewed the budget in detail, describing it as conservative and tight, focusing on support of employees through a three percent cost of living adjustment, sustainability and maintaining reserves.
“I’m a big believer that we’ve got to take care of the employees we have,” Lutz said. “When we’re all done if we have extra money then we’ll add to our employees but the first thing is to take care of who we have then add to our employees.”

One major issue for employees was health insurance premiums which rose sharply. Lutz said general fund insurance costs increased by about $910,962 overall or roughly 17 percent. Lutz said the county was successful in holding the increase to about 14 percent.
The new budget also corrects chronic underfunding in the health insurance fund so future transfers from the general fund to sustain health insurance premiums should not be needed as often, he said.
General fund cash reserves were projected at about $18.5 million, enough to cover about seven and a half months of operation. Lutz described this as a necessary reserve level, especially given future infrastructure and emergency needs.
The burden of…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!

Lytle Masonic Hosts Flag Raising Ceremony

The JROTC proceeds with the careful raising followed by a dedication. Photos by B Paredes. More photos on page 7.

This past Friday, September 11 the Lytle Masonic Cemetery Association hosted a flag raising ceremony in remembrance of the victims, first responders and military members who lost their lives on September 11, 2011.

The dedication was held at the Lytle Masonic Cemetery which was recognized as a Texas historic cemetery in 2023.
Speakers at the event were David Maddox, past master of Atascosa Masonic Lodge and chairman of the Lytle Masonic Cemetery Association, Susie Smith, Secretary of Lytle Masonic Cemetery Association and Mayor Ruben Gonzalez. Others in attendance were the Lytle High School JROTC corps, Lytle VFW, Lytle PD along with local community members.
David Maddox opened the event by welcoming everyone, leading the group in a pledge of allegiance and acknowledging important history on 9/11.
The JROTC then proceeded with the careful raising of the flag. Following that, Susie Smith spoke on the significance of the flagpole dedication.
“The Lytle Masonic Cemetery Association, which has maintained the cemetery since 1940, decided that a well-placed flagpole was needed to shape the way the cemetery feels. A flagpole can quietly set the tone. It tells people that care was taken in how the space was planned. It is where we remember our family members, neighbors, and veterans who shaped our community and protected our way of life. We have connected the lives remembered in this cemetery with the living spirit of our nation,” Smith said.
Mayor Gonzalez closed out the event by sharing his respects to the lives lost and also recognizing community members for their dedication to the cemetery and flagpole.

David Maddox, past Master of Atascosa Masonic Lodge and Chairman of the Lytle Masonic Cemetery Association.

Suhr and Rumfeld chosen asLions Students of the Month

Lions Club Students of the Month are Caroline Suhr and Jack Rumfield. Pictured are DHS Principal Michael Gomez, Lion VP Bill Herring, DHS Students of the month Caroline Suhr and Jack Rumfield, Lion President Lewis Stroud and Lion District 2-A2 District Governor Jeffrey Almoney. The students of the month are chosen by the faculty at Devine High School.
“Homecoming games are October 16, and this year we are bringing back the Homecoming Dance, and of course the Bonfire”, said Principal Gomez.

Devine High School students Caroline Suhr and Jack Rumfield were honored as Students of the Month at a recent Devine Lions Club meeting. Both are seniors at DHS.
Caroline Suhr
Caroline has been a member of the Varsity Track Team all four years, competing as a pole vaulter. She qualified for Area her sophomore and junior years and advanced to Regionals her junior year. She also played JV basketball her freshman year and varsity basketball her sophomore and junior years. During her basketball career, she was selected as 2nd Team All-District, received the Arabian Heart & Hustle Award, and earned Academic All-District honors. Caroline was involved in FFA her freshman and junior years and competed on the Veterinary Science team as a freshman. Through her Agriculture courses, she also earned her Veterinary Technician Certification. She has been a member of the UIL Accounting Team, advancing to Regionals her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. She has been in band all four years. She plays flute and has served in numerous leadership roles in the band, including Quartermaster and Section Drum Major. She has also been a class officer all four years serving as Student Council Representative for the Class of 2027. She has been involved in Student Council for three years and served as Parliamentarian her sophomore and junior years. She currently serves as President of the National Honor Society.
Caroline is also dedicated to serving her community. She volunteers with Wreaths Across America and Hoops for Heart and enjoys volunteering at the middle school track meet, where she helps run the middle school pole vault event. She has also volunteered at a veterinary clinic during the summer.
Caroline will be attending Texas A&M University in College Station and majoring in Biology while fulfilling her pre-medical requirements. She plans to pursue a career in medicine and continue her commitment to leadership, service, and helping others.
Caroline is the daughter of Johnny and Nicole Suhr.
Jack Rumfiled
Jack Rumfield is a senior at Devine High School and the son of Joey and Michele Rumfield. Throughtout his high school years, Jack has enjoyed being involved in many areas of school life and giving back to the organizations and community that have given so much to him.
Jack currently serves as President of the Devine FFA Chapter, after previously serving as Vice President and Reporter. He has also had the honor of serving as the Revaldina District FFA Vice President. In addition, Jack has represented his classmates as the Class of 2027 Treasurer throughout all four years of high school.
Along with his leadership roles, Jack is a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the varsity football and basketball teams. Whether he is in the classroom, on the football field, on the basketball court, or representing FFA, Jack is proud to be a Devine Warhorse.
After graduation, Jack plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Agribusiness. He looks forward to building on the leadership skills, experiences, and love of agriculture he has developed throughout high school as he begins this next chapter.
Jack is grateful for the friendships, experiences, and opportunities Devine High School has given him throughout the past four years. He is thankful for the teachers, coaches, advisors, classmates, and community members who have supported and encouraged him along the way, and he is honored to be recognized as Student of the Month.

Museum Bake Salea Sweet Success

The community came together in a big way to support the museum at its recent bake sale, proving once again that a good cause—and a table full of homemade treats—can bring people together.
Hikers, county judges, artists, local residents and even a mayor stopped by to show their support and help raise funds for a new, more visible sign for the museum.
The new sign will make sure the museum gets the attention it deserves and help visitors and residents alike know exactly where to find it.
With the community’s generous support, the museum is one step closer to putting up that new sign. And once it’s installed, no one will be able to say they didn’t know there was a museum in Hondo!
The museum extends a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who baked, bought, donated, volunteered or simply stopped by to lend their support. It was truly a sweet success!

Local Police report

Devine Police Report

September 4
8:19AM – Officer made traffic stop on Hondo Ave W and cited male driver for DWLI.
13:13PM – Complainant reported that three AC units, tile and paint were stolen from Teel Dr S.
13:56PM – Complainant reported fraud with money taken from bank account.
September 5
0:50AM – Assisted MCSO deputies on CR 6610 with male subject being combative.
3:41AM – Female on Rosewood advised a male knocked on door. Unable to locate.
11:20AM – Complainant advised elderly Hispanic male on Colonial Pkwy E appears to be intoxicated. Officer made contact.
11:38AM – Officer made traffic stop on SH 132 N and male subject failed field sobriety test indicating over legal limit. Subject jailed.
22:56PM – Mental Crisis Hotline advised adult male identified by police at Hondo Ave E had suicidal thoughts. Transported by EMS to San Antonio Hospital.
September 6
22:57PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave E called in reference to verbal disturbance between male and female.
September 7
9:52AM – Complainant on IH 35 S advised of 18 wheeler parked on Oakhill. Vehicle departed prior to officer’s arrival.
14:30PM – Complainant on IH 35 S advised of 18 wheeler parked on Oakhill.
16:00PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave W called in reference to male subject wearing orange shirt and grey pants walking into traffic stopping cars and pretending to stab himself.
16:11PM – Male subject on Washington Dr jailed for drunkenness.
18:45PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave W called in reference to a reckless driver who failed to maintain lanes. Vehicle located and stopped on SH 132. No signs of impairment; driver having issues with alignment.
September 8
11:07AM – Complainant on LC Martin Dr reported empty apartment appears to have suspicious activity. Requested officer presence to clear unit. Unit cleared; all okay.
14:40PM – Complainant reported theft of a vehicle on Hayden Ave. Vehicle recovered by Devine PD and MCSO.
16:10PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave E reported cars not stopping while school bus is dropping off her granddaughter. Requesting police presence at 1605 hours when granddaughter is being dropped off.
16:44PM – Officer assisted MCSO on HS 132/IH 35 in detaining an aggravated assault suspect.
18:45PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave W reported black Honda Accord failing to maintain lanes. Driver was okay; no further assistance needed.
18:50PM – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident on Jay Dr.
18:52PM – Officer recovered stolen property on Tuttle Dr. Male subject taken into custody and jailed. Vehicle owner notified.
September 9
12:45PM – Complainant on Wedgewood Way called in reference to Hispanic male with white beard in backyard. Stated he was a plumber. Unable to locate. All okay, had wrong address.
13:58PM – Complainant on Dilley Ave W called in reference to tan Suburban that keeps passing by her area and slowing down near her residence. Unable to locate.
14:42PM – Complainant on Moore Ave W reported her medications had been delivered but were not found near her door.
September 10
7:25AM – Complainant on Windy Knoll Dr N reported a low hanging power line.
8:00AM – Officer initiated a traffic stop on IH 35 S. Subject failed to stop and give requested information. Citation issued.
9:31AM – Complainant on Zig Zag Ave reported an unknown subject opened camper shell on his pickup overnight. Nothing taken.
16:55PM – Complainant on Oakhill Dr reported red Blazer stalled in roadway. Vehicle removed from road.
18:06PM – Male on Hondo Ave E called in for possibly having weed in a bag and a pipe. Male had tobacco.
18:06PM – Male subject on Hondo E was cited and released for possible drug paraphernalia.
23:51PM – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident on SH 132S.

Natalia Police Report

September 7, 2026 – Disturbance – At approximately 1340 hours, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Miller Street for a reported disturbance. Upon arrival, officers contacted the caller, who stated that a father and son had been drinking together when they became involved in a verbal argument. No physical contact occurred. Prior to officers’ arrival, one of the parties had already left the scene. Officers determined that no criminal offense had occurred and returned to service.
September 8, 2026 – Abandoned/Unattended Vehicle – At approximately 0830 hours, officers were dispatched to the IH-35 North Frontage Road for a report of an abandoned/unattended vehicle. Officers arrived and inspected the vehicle and determined that it had not been reported stolen. The vehicle appeared to have possibly been left at the location after breaking down. Officers placed a 48-hour notice on the vehicle advising the owner that if it was not removed within the specified time, it could be towed at the owner’s expense. No criminal offense was observed, and officers returned to service.
September 8, 2026 – Assist Adult Protective Services – At approximately 1000 hours, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of 6th Street to assist Adult Protective Services with an ongoing case. An officer arrived and stood by while the APS representative checked on the reported individual. All appeared to be well and no criminal offense was observed. The officer then cleared the scene and returned to service.
September 9, 2026 – Threats Report – At approximately 1640 hours, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of East 3rd Street for a report of threats. Upon arrival, investigating officers spoke with the complainant and obtained the necessary information. This case remains under investigation.
September 10, 2026 – Soliciting Without a Permit – At approximately 1700 hours, officers were dispatched to the intersection of 4th Street and Pearson Street for a report of an individual soliciting without a permit. Officers arrived and contacted the individual. Officers determined that the individual was soliciting without the required City permit. The individual was issued a warning and advised to leave the area and not return to solicit until the proper permit was obtained from City Hall. The individual complied, and officers returned to service.
September 10, 2026 – Juvenile Welfare Check – At approximately 2100 hours, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Kearney Street for a report of a juvenile carrying a backpack who appeared to be crying. Upon arrival, officers were advised by the caller that the juvenile had already been picked up by the juvenile’s parents and taken home. Officers learned that there had been a disturbance between the juvenile and the parents earlier that day. After determining that no further police assistance was needed at the location, officers returned to service.
September 11, 2026 – Reckless Driver Report – At approximately 1500 hours, officers were dispatched to the area of State Highway 132 and Cresson Street for a report of a vehicle being driven recklessly. Officers responded to the area and located a vehicle matching the description provided. Officers observed that the vehicle did not display a registration sticker and subsequently conducted a traffic stop. During the investigation, officers determined that the vehicle had recently been purchased and was displaying temporary buyer’s plates. Officers had not personally observed the vehicle being operated recklessly or any other criminal offense. The vehicle and driver were released, and officers returned to service.
September 12, 2026 – 911 Hang-Up Call – At approximately 0600 hours, officers responded to the 500 block of 3rd Street for a reported 911 hang-up call. Upon arrival, officers contacted the homeowner, who advised that her phone had malfunctioned and inadvertently dialed 911. The homeowner confirmed that there was no emergency and that neither police nor EMS assistance was needed. Officers returned to service.
September 13, 2026 – Suspicious Vehicle / Arrest – At approximately 1430 hours, officers received a call from a homeowner reporting a suspicious vehicle lingering in front of the residence. Responding officers arrived and spoke with the caller, who advised that the vehicle had already left the area. The homeowner provided officers with a photograph of the vehicle in question. Later that day, officers observed a vehicle similar to the one depicted in the photograph. Officers observed a registration violation and conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, the driver provided officers with a photograph of an identification card. After further investigation, officers determined that the identification depicted in the photograph did not belong to the person operating the vehicle. The driver was taken into custody and transported to the Medina County Jail, where the driver’s identity was subsequently confirmed. Following the investigation and identification of the driver, the individual was arrested on multiple charges.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, September 07
12:35 AM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers responded to a report of a male consumer leaving the facility. Officers persuaded the male to return for help.
2:31 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in handcuffing and releasing a male with active out-of-state warrants. The male was released due to no extradition.
9:49 AM – 19500 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officers responded to a report of a male attempting to enter a residence. Everything was okay.
3:18 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance between an employee and a customer that resulted in 4 broken liquor bottles valued at $136.
4:41 PM – Main St. @ S. Somerset St. – Officer responded to check on a female walking with an infant. Everything was okay.
6:53 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
Tuesday, September 08
11:08 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 400 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle for three loose cows.
12:55 PM – Main St. @ Diaz St. – Officers responded to the train blocking the crossing. The train uncoupled, was repaired, and departed at 1:20 PM.
1:10 PM – 14800 Blk. Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to check on a homeless male lying down by the doors. The male departed.
1:10 PM – FM 2790 @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officers responded to a report of a female talking to herself. The homeless female was okay.
4:54 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
5:53 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance between two males.
7:42 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of an unwanted customer.
8:46 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a homeless male wandering in the store.
10:47 PM – Main St. @ S. Somerset – Officers discovered an open door and secured the building.
11:00 PM – 19500 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer spoke to a resident at the PD regarding a neighbor who continues to drive on his property.
11:08 PM – John Lott Park – Officers conducted a security check to ensure no one was sleeping in the park.
11:26 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers advised a homeless female that she could not camp on city property.
Wednesday, September 09
9:00 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer provided a courtesy ride to a homeless male to San Antonio.
12:20 PM – 19500 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. Everything was okay.
12:26 PM – 19900 Blk. IH 35 – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person walking in the parking lot offering sex for money. A 55 year old female was arrested for prostitution and booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
1:50 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant regarding an unknown individual using her Social Security number for a claims benefit.
6:25 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a one-vehicle accident. A vehicle struck the menu board.
Thursday, September 10
1:38 AM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officers responded to a report of a verbal disturbance with a patient.
5:40 AM – Train Blocking Crossings – Lytle Officers responded to a train that was blocking all railroad crossings in town.
12:25 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to the theft of $37.00 worth of merchandise earlier in the day before contacting the PD.
5:52 PM – FM 2790 @ IH 35 Frontage Rd. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
7:28 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to the report of a stolen Colt. 45 cal. It was determined the theft did not occur at the H.E.B. Store.
8:55 PM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for no trailer lights, which resulted in the arrest of a 3 year old male for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
Friday, September 11
3:12 AM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officers responded to a report of a verbal disturbance with a patient.
7:50 AM – Masonic Cemetery – Officers attended the Masonic Lodge Cemetery 911 Memorial.
2:03 PM – 19400 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
6:21 PM – 20200 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of a theft that occurred three days earlier. A female shoplifted six gallons of Rotella motor oil valued at $181.
7:21 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a truck playing loud music, circling the parking lot. A 47 year old male was cited and released for two open containers of alcohol in his vehicle.
8:50 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver but could not locate the vehicle.
10:40 PM – 15900 Blk. White Cap Dr. – Officers were advised of a verbal disturbance between a male and a female.
Saturday, September 12
12:21 AM – 15100 Blk. Railroad St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for failing to signal within the required distance, which resulted in the arrest of a 29 year old male on an active felony warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance out of Atascosa County. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
8:36 AM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call about a dispute involving a pawned ring.
9:04 AM – 1400 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers provided traffic control for the 911 Freedom Walk Ceremony.
2:08 PM – Lytle PD – Officer conducted a follow-up on an open case.
2:34 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a male in a vehicle. Everything was okay.
3:02 PM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officer responded to a 911 hang-up. Everything was okay.
5:24 PM – Lytle PD – Officer received a phone call regarding a lost Texas license plate.
6:38 PM – Lytle-Somerset @ Bruce St. – Officer responded to a report of a low-hanging phone line.
7:59 PM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officer responded to speak to a patient regarding her medication schedule.
Sunday, September 13
8:35 AM – 18600 Blk. N. Prairie St. – Officers responded to a report of a gas leak. WTG repaired the leak.
5:00 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to unlock a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox.
7:18 PM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officers responded to speak to a patient regarding the nurses. Everything was okay.
7:42 PM – 14600 Blk. Railroad St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop, which resulted in a tree branch making a small scratch on the side of the patrol unit.

Leatrice Joy Wood

Leatrice Joy Wood passed away September 12, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born Oct. 15, 1929, in Needville, Texas to the late Lawrence and Lena Cloudt Boone. Leatrice graduated from Pearsall High School in 1947. She had a brief career working for a credit union in San Antonio. She then dedicated her life to loving and caring for her family in Devine.
Leatrice had a kind, generous spirit. She enjoyed country music and hymns, crafts and sewing, and sharing treasures with others. She loved bluebonnets and all things blue. In her final years, she treasured the company of her beloved dog Angel.
Throughout her life, Leatrice loved her Lord and Savior. She was a devoted member of Calvary Grace Baptist Church. Leatrice was deeply cherished by her family and friends. She will be carried in their hearts forever.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Clarice and Bill Hutchison of Seattle, and daughter-in-law Polly Wood and granddaughter Amanda Wood of Devine. She was preceded in death by William “Bill” Wood, the love of her life and husband of 37 years; her son, Randy Wood; and sisters, Violet Doyal and Lois Roberson.
A graveside memorial will be held Thursday, September 17, 11:00 a.m., led by Rev. Johnny Melancon at Evergreen Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the loving congregation of Calvary Grace for their care and prayers for her in her final years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, wildflower.org/donate, or the Devine Food Bank Ministry, devinefoodpantry.com/donate.

Leaving a new Legacy in Warhorse football

Recipients of the Legacy Award so far: #78 Aiden Martinez, #80 Jett Toner, #5 Brody Lane. All of these Warhorses have displayed heart, compassion and resilience, regardless of what their stats were. They truly are, living like coach Sanchez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
Warhorse football has been off to a hot start this season. New head coach, new offensive system and new play callers have rejuvenated this Devine squad. However, that’s not the only new addition to the team. A new tradition has taken shape in honor of the late great coach Jacob Sanchez.
Sanchez was just 35 years old when he passed on January 5, 2023. He was a beloved member the community, father, husband, brother, son, teacher and coach.. He was also a Warhorse himself, wearing number 75 for varsity. He taught 6th and 8th grade science and coached football, basketball, and track in field for DMS, so many of his former students/athletes are still playing in Devine athletics today.
Brigid Howard, part-time sub and photographer for Devine ISD, took it upon herself to commemorate Sanchez with the Legacy Award. An honor bestowed upon a different Warhorse every week, not just for their play on the field, but for being the kind of teammate and the kind of young man people remember.
This award is meant to exemplify Sanchez’s values and by the end of the season the goal is to have the boys understand that earning it speaks to their caliber of character not just their success as an athlete.
“Maybe he helps a teammate up. Maybe he encourages someone after a bad play. Maybe he keeps fighting when the game gets tough,” Howard explained. “It doesn’t have to be the kid who scores the touchdown or gets his name called.”
This year’s crop of Horses consists of the last two teams Sanchez had coached. Howard’s son, varsity center Canton Urrabazo, was coached by Sanchez in middle school. He meant a lot to the senior linemen, which speaks to how much of a lasting impression Sanchez’s teachings made on his students and players.
“Coach Sanchez was so much more than a football coach,” Howard said. “He was known for supporting the underdog, making everyone feel welcome, and believing in kids who sometimes just needed someone to believe in them.”
Every game Howard selects a mom in the crowd to watch closely for the player that shows extraordinary effort, valor, heart and character on the field. The only rule being, she cannot select her own son.
After the game, the player is presented with a gold chain with a #75 jersey, Sanchez’s number in high school, to highlight the moments of sincerity and motivation he displayed throughout the game.
Since his passing, the kids have adopted a saying to honor their late mentor. A saying emboldens what it means to live up to the values that Sanchez set. To play with effort, lead with courage and lift up others. To live like coach Sanchez.

Jacob is #75 in the middle.

Warhorses walk the Bulldogs 23-14

#7 Rowdy Esparza with a quick catch and smooth route into the endzone with QB Nate Valle cheering close behind during Devine’s victory over Marion. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The Warhorses saved one of their most valuable lessons for their third and final nondistrict game which is adversity does not have to become an avalanche. Devine overcame two separate deficits Friday night before rallying for a 23-14 victory over previously undefeated Marion. The Horses travel to Crystal City to open District 14-3A D1 this Friday.
Devine continually showed the ability to remain composed when things were not going its way, including the Bulldogs scoring first midway through the first quarter on a 64 yard touchdown play that should have ended back in Marion territory soon after the catch was made.
“I really felt like we did a much better job of not riding the emotions of the game from early on,” Devine Head Coach Jacob Campsey said about his players composure being tested early. “We didn’t always play our best but we stayed the course and played complimentary football.”
Devine answered before the quarter ended as quarterback Nate Valle went 9 yards for a touchdown with 41 seconds left, and Israel Casas’ extra point tied the game at 7-7.
The Bulldogs regained the lead when Eli Parker scored on a 10-yard run with 8:39 remaining in the second quarter, but Devine again refused to panic. The Warhorses’ ability to create momentum was evident on a night when Devine also unveiled its first true trick play of the season.
A Valle to Enoch Hall handoff followed by his flip to Rowdy Esparza on a reverse resulted in a game-changing touchdown that tied the game at 14-14.
Campsey credited Offensive Coordinator Coach Devyn Orta for recognizing an opportunity and making the necessary adjustment. “A lot of credit goes to Coach Orta on that play. He had it dialed up for a little different situation but really pivoted there when we needed a big play. Coach Orta liked the look Marion was giving the Warhorses on the backside of the play and believed there would be no defender home, which there wasn’t.”
Devine took their first lead to open the second half as Hall capped the possession with a 3-yard touchdown run at the 8:58 mark. Casas added his third PAT giving Devine its first lead at 21-14.
For Campsey, the response represented a significant step forward from Devine’s earlier nondistrict loss at San Diego that opened the season. “I felt like how we responded to being down now, versus how we did in San Diego where we let things avalanche was a major improvement. Against Marion, we played the…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!

8th Colts take down Marion 20-14

The 8th grade Colts were amped up for their underclassmen’s first official game for Devine ISD. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The Devine Colts and Marion Bulldogs knew about the other’s accomplishments a year ago when these 8th graders were 7th graders. In 2025, the two teams finished their seventh-grade seasons with identical 8-0 records, with each squad also posting six shutouts along the way, according to Coach Matthew Saenz. With that kind of history, it was no surprise that last Thursday’s meeting turned into another hard-fought battle.
When the dust settled, however, it was the Colts who remained standing, as Devine held off Marion, 20-14. The Colts found several ways to put points on the board, including a big-play 40-yard touchdown connection from quarterback Gabriel Madrid to Easton Montellano. Madrid then added the two-point conversion on a run to give Devine an early spark.
Ezra Gamez found the end zone on a 5-yard touchdown run, while Chaz Dominguez provided another huge play for the Colts with a kickoff return for a touchdown. In fact, Dominguez had another big-play touchdown as he ran the ball in from five yards out.
While the Colts’ offense produced enough points to secure the victory, it was the defense that delivered throughout the game including the knockout punch when it mattered most.
Cooper Stricker and Tilden Moore each came up with interceptions during the contest, helping Devine keep the Bulldogs’ offense from finding the end zone consistently. The biggest defensive play came late in the game as Devine was clinging to a six-point lead. Marion moved the ball to the Colts’ 30-yard line with a chance to potentially tie the game or even take the lead.
“We were up by six points late in the game, and the Bulldogs offense had our defense on our own 30-yard line,” Devine defensive coach Matthew Saenz said. “We stood tall and intercepted a pass on 4th down to essentially end the game.”
Saenz credited his players for maintaining their composure in a pressure-filled situation and battling from start to finish.
“I am so proud of these guys for playing such a hard fought game! Marion deserves credit as well as they tested us big time.”
The victory was a strong early-season statement for the Colts. Devine had more than a few explosive plays offensively, scored via their special teams, and created turnovers defensively that most importantly made the critical play when the game was on the line.
For a group that knows all too well what Marion is capable of, Thursday’s victory was more than just another win. It was another chapter in what is quickly becoming a competitive rivalry between two teams that refuse to give an inch.
Team: Gabriel Madrid, Alonzo Lopez, Cooper Stricker, Paul Cisneros, Eric Montellano, Aayden Rodriguez, Tilden Moore, Kayson Klein, Kyle Pineda Johnson, Samuel Samarripa, Xian Glodobe, Gage Lawler, Ezra Gamez, Leonardo Renteria Castillo, Hunter Hennessey, Bently Martinez, Jayden Knox, Jeremiah Perez, Marceline Garcia IV, Jackson Redding, William Dixon-Davis, John Steffens, Adrian Zamora, Matthew Arausa, Kaysen Holloway, Hunter Gentry, Chaz Dominguez, Easton Hennessey, Gauge Gonzales, Ezra Gutierrez, Jose Guerrero Jr., Julian Ramirez, Jaxson Alexander, Jacob Ramirez, Berjin Caballero, Uzziah Nentwich, Colt Riddle, Jasiah Santos, Jaike Copeland, Jesus Perez III, Roberto Gutierrez, Eli Zadik, Noah Perez, Kolton Wisenbaker, Jacob Silva, Jovani Robles Alvarado, Nathaniel Rodriguez, Paul McClure, Micah-Rayne Guajardo, Blake Perez Cheerleaders: Avery Dixon, Kynzli Carroll, Tenley Carroll, Milee Downing, Kyleigh Freeman, Jayde Hall, Maci Martinez, Ilyanna Burford-Patton Sponsor: Jennifer Toalson.