Category: Natalia Mustangs & Lady Mustangs

All the best coverage of our Natalia Mustangs and Lady Mustangs!

Natalia battled Lytle in heated rivalry matchup

The Lady Mustangs will host Crystal City, Tuesday Sept. 23 and then travel to Devine to take on the Arabians on Friday, Sept. 25 in Devine at 5 P.M. Photo by Mable Bryd.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Lady Mustangs only had one match this week against historic rivals, the Lytle Lady Pirates. Despite a thrilling second set, Natalia fell to the Lady Pirates in three. The Lady Mustangs are now 0-3 in district play holding down the 7th spot.
Although they lost in straight sets, the Lady Mustangs showed grit and heart in every possession. The pinnacle of this coming in the second set that went to deuce. The flashes of brilliance are still apparent, its only a matter of time before their record catches up to their skill and overwhelming talent.
Natalia’s next match will pit them against Crystal City at home Tuesday, Sept. 22. then traveling to Devine to take on the Arabians Friday, Sept. 25 at 5 P.M.Vs Lytle (L: 25-10, 26-24, 25-15)
Kills: #4 Kaylee Uviedo- 1, #6 Lyncie Acosta- 1, #7 Ralynn Juarez- 1, #13 Mia Loza- 2, #15 Allison Kanagusico- 5
Aces:  #1 Liliana Saenz- 1, #5 Triss Vera- 2, #7 Juarez- 3
Blocks: #13 Loza- 1
Digs: #1 Saenz- 8, #3 Paige Key- 1, #4 Uviedo- 2, #5 Vera- 1, #7 Juarez- 7, #8 Gianna Rodriguez- 1, #10 Alani Aguinaga- 3, #13 Loza- 1, #15 Kanagusico- 2
Assists: #1 Saenz- 1, #7 Juarez- 9

‘Chin Up. Chest Out’ Lytle’s big offensive night in Legacy Bowl, encourages program’s future

Pirate #3 Weston Jackson earned the offensive MVP for Lytle throwing 11/18 for 192 yards and 2 TDs. He also has 2 rushing touchdowns. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
Few things in life are inevitable. Death, taxes and the Pirates and Mustangs putting on a show at the Legacy Bowl. In one of the most high octane games of the season so far, the Lytle Pirates fell to the Natalia Mustangs 60-43. There were no records, there were no district seeding implications; this was simply to heavy weights going back and forth. Both squads played at an elite level and put on a scoring performance that is rarely seen. Head coach Mike Trevino admitted this was one of those games that just left you speechless and despite the loss, was extremely proud of his Pirates. 
“It was definitely one of those games where you look up at the scoreboard and almost can’t believe what you’re seeing,” Trevino said. “I’m extremely proud of the fight our kids showed. Obviously, we’re disappointed with the outcome because we prepare every week to win football games. But there are things from Friday night that we can build on.”
Despite the loss, Trevino was encouraged by what he saw in the offense. The Pirates had 439 yards of total offense and in the second half with four touchdowns.  Every time the Mustangs would march down the field and score, the Pirates would answer right back, even scoring on multiple opening drives. After having a lackluster offensive night against Bandera, Trevino could see the “belief coming back” to the team. Now their next “challenge”, according to Trevino, is not becoming complacent with one good offensive night, but learning from what worked and carrying that confidence into the next game.   
“I think the biggest difference [from the Bandera game] was…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’ historic night leads to Legacy Bowl win 60-43

Mustang #11 Ethan Zapata(left) battles #4 Pirate Matt Wimer during the Historic Legacy Bowl. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Legacy Bowl is a time old tradition that never disappoints. The stands are packed with cheering fans, all of which understand the history behind the Mustangs versus Pirates. Sports has a habit of raising the stakes and importance of the moment. This is only the fourth game of the season, only the first game of district play, but both teams played like their life was on the line. The Natalia Mustangs take down the Lytle Pirates in an absolute slug fest of a game 60-43. This is the first time since the 2022-23 season that Natalia bested Lytle. Head coach Jason Reynolds admitted this was one of the “wildest” games he’s ever been a part of. 
“The atmosphere was exceptional and the stakes were high with it being the Legacy Bowl. I felt like our kids handled the pressure well and responded each time our backs were against the wall,” Reynolds said. “Our offensive line was playing with a lot of confidence and Leo [Cortinas] was on another level. It was amazing to witness the resiliency of our kids and I couldn’t be happier for them to bring home the Legacy Bowl Trophy.”
The Mustangs have put up 50+ points in their last two games. Everyone sees the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers make the big play, but the real foundation for scoring comes from the O-line. 
“I said it before the game ever started that the game would be won and lost in the trenches,” Reynolds said. “Our offensive line was playing with a lot of confidence and that was the difference maker. Back to back 50+ points and neither game resembled the other. Our kids did a great job of taking a game plan, and executing it.”
On the other side of the ball, the defense gave up…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!

Mustang #1 Leo Cortinas won the offensive MVP for Natalia. Going for 468 rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs. Both school records according to sources. Photo by Moose Lopez.



Legacy Bowl bragging rights belong to the Mustangs after thrilling 60-43 victory!

This year’s Legacy Bowl bragging rights belong to the Natalia Mustangs after a Thrilling 60-43 victory over the Lytle Pirates. This is the first time the Mustangs beat the Pirates in the Legacy Bowl since the 2022-2023 season. Traditionally, they name an offensive and defensive MVP for both teams. On Lytle’s side #3 Weston Jackson was awarded the offensive MVP and #12 Seth Pierce earned the defensive MVP. Jackson manned the quarterback position and put up 192 yards (147 of those rushing) with 2 throwing TDs and 2 rushing TDs. Pierce had 4.5 tackles with 3 solo tackles. For the Mustangs the offensive MVP went to #1 Leo Cortinas, the quarterback had a historic night putting up 468 rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs. The defensive MVP was #23 RJ De La O. Presenting the MVP trophies are Brenda Fernandez and Eric Smith.

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!

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!

Mustangs to host YMLA in home opener

Lady Mustangs Paige Key (left) had one kill, one ace and three digs against Pleasanton. Mia Loza (right) had 4 digs against the Eagles as well. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Natalia Mustangs have played their first full game of the season this past Friday against Kenedy High School, falling 38-0. The Stangs are now 0-2 on the season with one more game before district play begins. 
Head coach Jason Reynolds kept it clear and concise on what Natalia needs to do moving forward: Discipline on both ends of the ball. 
“We did not do a very good job of tackling in open space and that is something we have to get better at in the future,” Reynolds said. “If you go back and watch the tape, we were typically just one guy not doing their job away from some big plays. We have to do a better job of knowing what our assignment is and executing. If we can clean up just a few of those mistakes, we will be just fine offensively.”
Seeing a zero on the scoreboard is something no one wants to see. Reynolds said the coaching staff has emphasize…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 Mustangs Volleyball wraps up tournament season

Lady Mustang Lyncie Acosta had two kills against Creek View in a thrilling three set match. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Natalia Lady Mustangs have wrapped up their last tournament of the season as district approaches. The Lady Mustangs played a total of five teams, pushing their skills and themselves to the limit in numerous competitive matches.
With tournament season officially over, Natalia has two more matches before the start of district. Jourdanton will visit Natalia Tuesday, Sept. 1 then the Lady Mustangs will travel to Pleasanton on Friday, Sept. 4 at 5 P.M.

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