Sports – The Devine News

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.

Colts first ride ends with 32-22 win over Marion

7th grade Colt Hunter Alston had himself a debut with an interception, followed immedately by a 75-yard touchdown during the Colts’ game against Marion. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The jerseys may have been new, but the Devine 7th grade Colts wasted little time making themselves at home on the football field. Playing their first official game for DMS, Devine opened the season with an impressive 32-22 victory over the Marion Bulldogs, giving the young players plenty to build on as they begin their long and glorious football journey.
Matthew Saenz, who coordinates the defenses for both the 7th and 8th grade teams, saw plenty of positives in the Colts’ debut.
The Devine offense struck first when quarterback Hunter Alston broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run. Evan De Leon followed with the two-point conversion run to give the Colts an early 8-0 advantage.
Alston then added another explosive play, returning a Marion punt 76 yards for a touchdown. Once again, De Leon converted the two-point try with his legs, putting Devine in control early.
Marion eventually found the end zone, but the Bulldogs’ attempt to add a two-point conversion turned into another Devine score as De Leon stripped the ball and raced 99 yards for a defensive touchdown, adding two points to the Colts’ total of 18-6.
Devine’s offense continued to move the football, eventually putting the ball in the hands of DJ Burford, who powered his way into the end zone from five yards out.
Burford was not finished making an impact. On defense, he intercepted a Marion pass and returned it 65 yards for another Devine touchdown. Alston added the two-point conversion run to complete the scoring.
Saenz said the defense “had a few mental lapses, with all four Marion touchdowns coming on big plays and a blown assignment here and there.” Still, he was pleased with the overall effort, particularly considering “it was the players’ first time wearing an official Devine jersey in a game.”
For these young Colts, the 32-22 victory was about more than simply putting a win in the book. It was the first chapter in a football education that will continue through the middle-and-high school years.
In addition to Saenz, these middle schoolers have great role models to learn from as Mario De Leon handles the 7th grade offense, while Lee Crisp directs the 8th grade offense. These three men are helping lay the foundation for the next few years of Devine football and while there will be missed assignments, mistakes to correct, and plenty of lessons learned along the way, which is all part of the process of transitioning from a Thursday night Colt to a Friday night Warhorse.
Team: Brock Lane, Roger Martinez, Noel Coronado, Jordan Rodriguez, Wyatt Gray, Joshua Gutierrez, Ryland Montellano, Conor Kazear, DJ Burford, Kannon Marek, Angel Ayala, Gauge Partin, Dario Garcia, Alejandro Zamora, John Antu, Rush Haass, Xavier Patlan-Burford, Tyler Maldonado, Trey Sadler, Joaquin Rosas, Krue McCelvey, Roy Hefley, Hunter Alston, Liam Rodriguez, Kale Perez, Xzander Barney, Noah Aguero, Nicholas Garcia, Evan De Leon, Thomas Craig, Hector Rivera, Joe Ramon, Logan Mitchell, Midas Balderrama, Davis Stricker, Maxine Morris, Aurelius Martinez Cheerleaders: Georgia Ahern, Kessler Campbell, Brooklyn Fritz, Addison Gardner, Emma Roberson.

Arabian Volleyball Killin’It on the Court

Varsity Arabian Peyton Dixon-Davis is met at the net for a joust during Devine’s match against Hondo. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
District 28-3A could not possibly open more dramatically than how it did for Devine and Hondo on Sessions Court on September 8. The Arabians pulled out a 5-set thriller over the visiting Owls to begin the real part of the season at 1-0. Devine followed that with a less theatrical beat-down over the Crystal City on September 11.
Devine Head Coach Samantha Mendez got her first taste of being in the hot seat against the rivals from across the creek, saying, “Both sides of the stands were PACKED, and the energy in the gym was electric from the very first serve. We all knew this was going to be a battle, and my girls were ready to fight until the very end!”
Things looked disheartening just a bit after the first set, a set that the Owls took 25-21. Being down is one thing, but the Arabians proved they were never out as they rallied to win set two and set three with identical 25-18 scores. Devine wanted badly to put Hondo back on their bus in four sets, but the Owls also showed resilience by taking that one by the score of 29-27.
As Mendez explained, “After nearly two hours of intense, back-and-forth volleyball, the Arabians continued to battle, adjust, and trust one another. When it came down to the 5th set, the Arabians DOMINATED, finishing with a 15–9 victory to seal the match!”
The DSAC was electric and the Devine team…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!

Lady Pirates 1-1 in district play after sweeping Cotulla

Lady Pirate #8 Macey Ford had herself a game against Cotulla, recording 8 kills in their three set victory. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Lytle Lady Pirates have started district play 1-1 after falling to Crystal City then taking down Cotulla, both in straight sets. Lytle has been clicking at the right time, winning four of their last six games. Head coach Margaret McOsker said starting off with an even split gives her a clear view of where they are and what they need to do to improve.
“The loss to Crystal City was disappointing because we struggled to find consistency and didn’t play with the confidence or urgency we needed,” McOsker said. “I was proud of how the girls responded against Cotulla. They came back focused, played together, and showed the resilience we’ve been asking of them.”
To win a match the same way you lose one usually means that a minor tweak is all that’s needed. McOsker said the biggest difference between the loss to Crystal City and the win over Cotulla was the team’s energy and execution.
“Against Crystal City, we were too hesitant and allowed mistakes to affect us for several points at a time. Against Cotulla, we played more aggressively, communicated better, and stayed in control. We served tougher, handled 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!

Lady Pirates 1-1 in district play after sweeping Cotulla

Lady Mustang Paige Key had 11 digs during Natalia’s thrilling 5 set match against Carrizo Springs. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Natalia Lady Mustangs have begun district play 0-2 after dropping some very close matches to Cotulla and Carrizo Springs. Despite the tough competition to start district, head coach Hannah Farruggia said every loss is a chance to cultivate a better understanding of the team.
“Losses show us what we need to work on,” Farruggia said. “They give us an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger as a team.”
The Lady Mustangs have been on a bit of skid as of late, despite their immense talent. Farruggia has emphasized that in these tough times the message has been to stay focused and to stay together. They are very aware of what this team is capable of so the mindset is to continue to trust the process and “control what we can control.”
“We have a lot of talent and we’ve shown flashes of what we can do. Our biggest…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!

Pirates look to bounce back in Legacy Bowl

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Lytle Pirates took a tough loss to Bandera, falling 63-0. The Pirates now hold a record of 1-2 ahead of district play. Head coach Mike Trevino didn’t sugar coat anything, stating that it was a “tough night.” He credited Bandera for coming out prepared and taking advantage of the opportunities the Bulldogs created.
“For us, it was one of those nights where adversity hit early and we never really found the rhythm we needed to respond. But I told our kids afterward that these moments reveal a lot about you. Winning can build confidence, but nights like this can build character if you respond the right way,” Trevino said. “We’ve intentionally challenged ourselves through this non-district schedule because we wanted to find out who we are before district play begins. We’ve been tested, bruised, humbled, and forced to grow. Now the question becomes: What are we going to do with everything we’ve learned?”
This was the second week in a row that the Lytle defense has given up 60+ points. Last week Trevino mentioned “self-inflicted wounds” as a cause for the defense letting their opponents run up the score. Even against the Bulldogs he said they had missed assignments, poor leverage, missed tackles, alignment issues. Mistakes like that add up very quickly against a good football team.
“The biggest thing is continuing to understand that defense takes all eleven guys doing their job together. We have to get back to trusting our training. The encouraging part is those are things we can correct. We own it, we learn from it, and then we go back to work,” Trevino said.
The offense was not at its best either that night, but every miss-step is an opportunity to grow and improve. The biggest lesson he wanted the offense to take away from…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!

Mustangs dominate Lions 50-6

Mustang Quarterback Leo Buentello went for 193 yards and one TD during Natalia’s 50-6 win over YMLA. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
There’s bounce back wins and there’s statement wins and the Natalia Mustangs happened to do both against the Young Men’s Leadership Academy Lions. The Mustangs took down Lions 50-6 in an epic homecoming win, ending their slow start to the season.
“It was an exciting night for our guys. I thought we did a good job of staying focused through a busy week of homecoming distractions,” Head coach Jason Reynolds said. “I know our guys were really happy to be back home and it definitely showed on the field.”
Natalia was near perfect in every aspect of the game. Their offense was explosive and consistent while the defense was physical and inexorable. Reynolds said alot of their success in this win comes from the offensive and defensive line.
“Our O line did a really good job of being more physical up front and our defensive line was in the backfield all night, causing them a lot of problems and when you play complimentary football like that, good things tend to happen,” Reynolds said.
On top of dropping a 50-piece, the defense stuffed the stat sheet just as much as the offense by forcing two fumbles and recovering four! Moreover, the Mustangs kept YMLA scoreless the entire second half, which speaks volumes to the team’s discipline and competitive tenacity.
“They just played with relentless effort and when we do that, it can really demoralize a team,” Reynolds said. “At halftime the message remained the same, playing four complete quarters of physical football and our guys did that Friday night.”
With their…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!

DHS Tennis remains undefeated in district, defeats Hondo 17-2

Warhorse Becker Byrd took his doubles match in straight games with his partner MJ Lawler. Photo by Jerel Beaty.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Devine High School Team Tennis is now a spotless 5-0 in district action after pounding the hoot out of Hondo 17-2 on September 9. The Warhorses and Arabians aim to keep that undefeated record intact on September 16 as they host Crystal City at the still-new tennis courts near the football stadium.
Head Coach Kandi Darnell was more than pleased with her players outing in Hondo but also understands there are difficult matches remaining as they make their run to a district championship. Part of that understanding is scheduling quality matches outside of district that will help each of her players as the season progresses.
“The Saturday nondistrict schedule we have are against some really good programs and those opportunities to improve on the weekend prepare us for big district matches. Every time we step on…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!