Jerel Beaty Staff Writer Devine powerlifter Seth Deleon moved up from 12th place going into the State Meet to finish at number nine in the 148-pound division by the time it was said and done. DeLeon set personal records in the squat with 465 lbs and with his total lifted which is now 1,225lbs. Congratulations, Seth, on a fantastic junior season and Warhorse Nation is looking forward to what you can accomplish in 2024 as a senior! 148lb results (squat-bench-deadlift) 1st Jeremiah Metzgar-Sealy 510-345-545-1,400 2nd Jessiah Barr-Gonzales 520-330-510-1,360 3rd Weston Hill-Sanger 535-280-520-1,335 4th Javier Martinez-Perryton 500-335-485-1,320 5th Drew Carter-Salado 515-335-465-1,315 6th Noah Garcia-Somerset 525-370-380-1,275 7th Juan Garcia-Beeville Jones 460-310-500-1,270 8th PJ Brown-Alice 425-320-485-1,230 9th Seth DeLeon-Devine 465-320-440-1,225 10th Anthony Cuellar-Brownsboro-465-325-430-1,220 11th Anthony Lopez-Ferris 500-310-400-1,210 12th Chandler Tran-Snyder 470-285-450-1,205 13th Jasael Ruiz-Marble Falls 465-240-500-1,205 14th Rowdy Parker-Bridgeport 485-225-460-1,170 15th Demarion Sanders-Tyler Chapel Hill 380-275-510-1,165 BO Tristian Davila-Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway BO Roberto Suarez-Lumberton.
Lytle Pirate lifter Mario Diaz brought home the Gold last week from the State Powerlifting Meet. See more in Sports.
Congratulations to Lytle Pirate powerlifter Mario Diaz as he claimed the first place title last Friday, March 24th, after competing at the state powerlifting championship held at the Taylor Count Expo Center in Abilene, Texas. What a great way to end this year’s 2023 powerlifting season, way to go Mario! Mario Diaz, region 3, 198lb weight class, squat 650, bench 375, deadlift 600, total 1625.
Rios, Barnett, and Featherly with home runs! The Arabians were hard at work over spring break, totaling three wins for the week. Last Friday the Devine varsity Arabian softball team took on the Carrizo Springs Wildcats. Hilary Barnett came to the ballpark and meant business on Friday, tallying four hits and leading the Arabians to a 13-3 win over Carrizo Springs. Barnett doubled in the first, homered in the second, doubled in the fourth, and singled in the fifth. The Arabians hit three home runs on the day. Rios, Barnett, and Featherly each knocked the ball out of the park during the second inning, contributing to a six run inning. The Arabians collected 15 hits. Barnett, Yaya Rodriguez, Denise Contreras, and Rios all managed multiple hits. Barnett went 4-for-4 at the plate to lead in hits. Pitcher Barnett surrendered three runs on five hits over five innings, striking out ten and walking one. Stats for the match are as follows: Batting: Hits: Valle-1, Rios-2, Rodriguez-3, Cruz-1, Featherly-1Barnett-4, Dugosh-1, Contreras-2. Runs: Valle-1, Rios-1, Rodriguez-3, Cruz-1, Rivera-2, Featherly-1, Barnett-1, Dugosh-1, Contreras-2. Fielding: Outs: Valle-1, Rodriguez-10, Featherly-2, Contreras-2. Pitcher: Barnett: Hits Allowed-5, Walks-1, Strikeouts-10. Barnett throws a no hitter! The Arabians next match over the holiday took place midday against the Pleasanton Eagles. Hilary Barnett was brilliant in the circle on Tuesday, as she threw a no-hitter to lead the Arabians past Pleasanton 9-0. Leading in hits was Arabian Kynedie Cruz who went 4-for-4 at the plate. Cruz singled in the first, singled in the third, singled in the fifth, and singled in the sixth. The Arabians put up five runs in the sixth inning. The pressure was put on with a single from Cruz, and a home run from Maddie Brown. Pitcher Barnett lasted six and two-thirds innings, allowing zero hits and zero runs while striking out 18 and walking one. The Arabians racked up 13 hits in the game. Cruz, Kate Featherly, and Brown all managed multiple hits for the Arabians. Cruz led the Arabians with five stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base path. Stats for the match are as follows: Batting: Hits: Valle-1, Rios-1, Cruz-4, Featherly-2, Barnett-1, Hernandez-1, Brown-2, Contreras-1. Runs: Valle-1, Rios-1, Cruz-1, Coronado-2, Brown-1, Contreras-1. Fielding: Outs: Hernandez-18, Dugosh-1, Blanton-1. Pitching: Barnett: Hits Allowed-0, Walks-1, Strikeouts-18. Blanton with a homerun! The Arabians final match over spring break was another midday game versus our rival Hondo Owls. The result was an easy 12-2 victory. The Arabians got things moving in the first inning, when Hilary Barnett doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run. The Arabians tallied five runs in the fifth inning. The offensive firepower by was led by Janelle Coronado, Natalie Valle, Kynedie Cruz, and Skylar Blanton, all driving in runs in the frame. Pitcher Barnett went five innings, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out nine. A threat in the batter’s box, Blanton launched one home run in the fifth inning. The Arabians tallied 12 hits in the game. Blanton, Valle, and Allie Dugosh all managed multiple hits for for the Arabians. Blanton went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead in hits. Batting: Hits: Valle-2, Rios-1, Cruz-1, Barnett-1, Hernandez-1, Dugosh-2, Coronado-1, Blanton-3. Runs: Valle-1, Rios-1, Cruz-2, Barnett-1, Dugosh-2, Coronado-1, Blanton-2. Fielding: Outs: Valle-2, Cruz-1, Barnett-2, Hernandez-9, Brown-1. Pitching: Barnett: Hits Allowed-4, Walks-3, Strikeouts-9. The winning streak has placed the girls at third in district with a 3-2 record. Tuesday, March 21st, the Arabians will travel to Somerset to take on the Lady Bulldogs. The following Friday, March 24th, the Arabians are scheduled to travel to Pearsall to take on the Lady Mavericks. Good luck Arabians!
Last Friday, March 10th, the Natalia Lady Mustangs took on the Poteet Aggies. The Lady Mustangs took the lead late and defeated Poteet 5-3 on Friday. The Mustangs trailed 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning when Marina Billalobos homered on a 1-0 count, scoring three runs. Billalobos led in hits as well, driving in runs on a single in the first, a double in the third, and a home run in the fifth. On the mound Billalobos surrendered three runs on eight hits over seven innings, striking out eight and walking one. Stats for the match are as follows: Batting: Hits: Skylene Gallegos-1, Saenz-1, Billalobos-3, Laque-1. Runs: Jimenez-2, Skylene Gallegos-1, Seovia-1, Billalobos-1. Fielding: Outs: Jimenez-8, Skylene Gallegos-1, Saenz-2, Syrene GAllegos-1, Figueroa-3, Segovia-2, Billalobos-2, Laque-2. Pitching: Billalobos: Hits Allowed-8, Walks-1, Strikeouts-8. The Mustangs had one match over the break. An early lead helped Natalia defeat D’Hanis 12-6 on Tuesday, March 14th. The girls scored on a single by Araceley Segovia in the first inning and a groundout by Syrene Gallegos in the second inning. The base paths were crowded in this high-scoring game. The Mustangs pulled away for good with two runs in the second inning. In the second Valerie Saenz reached on a dropped third strike and Gallegos grounded out, scoring one run. The Mustangs notched three runs in the sixth inning. Marina Billalobos, Segovia, and Isabel Laque all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning. Billalobos pitched the Mustangs to victory. The pitcher went seven innings, allowing six runs on 13 hits, striking out five and walking one. Laque went deep in the third inning, totaling one home run for the day. The Mustangs scattered ten hits in the game. Segovia, Billalobos, Figueroa, and Laque each collected two hits to lead the Natalia Lady Mustangs in hits. Stats for the match are as follows: Batting: Hits: Ramirez-1, Skylene Gallegos-1, Figueroa-2, Segovia-2, Billalobos-2, Laque-2. Runs: Ramirez-1, Jimenez-2, Skylene Gallegos-1, Saenz-1, Figueroa-1, Segovia-3, Billalobos-2, Laque-1. Fielding: Assists: Jimenez-1, Segovia-1, Billalobos-1. Outs: Jimenez-6, Saenz-5, Syrene Gallegos-1, Segovia-3, Billalobos-5, Laque-1. Pitching: Billalobos: Hits Allowed-13, Walks-1, Strikeouts: 5. The two wins have put the Lady Mustangs at a 4-1 district record. They will play their rival Lytle Lady Pirates Tuesday, March 21st and Crystal City Friday, March 24th, at home. Make sure to come out and cheer them on. Congratulations and good luck Mustangs!
Natalia Lady Mustang three time State Champion Jiselle Olivarez takes first place. Congratulations!
Last Thursday, March 16th, Natalia’s Lady Mustangs traveled to the THSWPA State Powerlifting Championship held in Frisco, Texas to compete. Three out of the six Lady Mustangs placed in the state meet. As a team the Lady Mustangs placed third overall. Araceley Segovia placed third in her weight class, Isabel Laque placed fourth in her weight class, and Jiselle Olivarez is now a three time state champion! Way to compete ladies and congratulations on a successful as well as impressive season as it has come to an end. Jiselle Gonzales, first place, squat 500, bench 305. dead lift 375, total 1180. Araceley Segovia, third place, squat 435, bench 275, dead lift 355, total 1065. Isabel Laque, fourth place, squat 295, bench 180, dead lift 315, total 790. Dominique Banda, eighth place, squat 275, bench 120, dead lift 295, total 690. Abigail Fulton, tenth place, squat 285, bench 135, dead lift 255, total 675. Ashley Aguirre, Disqualified, squat 335, bench 145, dead lift 325, total 0.
Jerel Beaty Staff Writer Devine was one inning from beginning its District 29-4A schedule 3-0. Devine took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning in Pleasanton March 14, but the Eagles finally put the wood on the ball to score three times in the bottom of the sixth to pull out the 3-1 victory. “It was a heartbreaker, but we really did not do what we needed to do to pull out the win,” Head Coach Heath Poppe stated regarding his squad collecting only four hits and striking out 13 times against Eagle pitching. Caden Hanson was masterful on the mound for five innings, but ran into a jam in the sixth allowing three earned runs. On 84 pitches, Hanson struck out four, while allowing only four hits and one walk. Devine’s lone run came after Sam Guardiola opened the second inning on a hit-by-pitch then stole second before scoring on Corey Dirck’s RBI single. A different story awaited the Horses in Jourdanton as Devine pounded out 11 hits and scored 8 runs in their 8-2 victory last Thursday. Korbin Campbell got the victory, tossing four innings, giving up one earned run, striking out two, and walking only three on 62 pitches. Shayne Scarbrough came in as relief to throw the final three innings, striking out three and walking four. Camden White, Jack Schneider, and Henry Ramirez got two hits apiece, while Anthony Saldivar, Gabriel Esquibel, Logan Camarillo, Sam Guardiola, and Corey Dirck each got one hit. White led the RBI department with three, Dirck was next with two, and Saldivar and Ramirez each knocked home one run. Up next Devine is now 8-4-1 overall and 2-1 in district play. They will have played Somerset Tuesday, March 21 at Warhorse Field before matching up against Pearsall on the road March 24.
Congratulations to Lytle’s own Natalie Pacheco for placing first at state.
Last Thursday, March 16th, Lytle Lady Pirates Nivea Sanchez, Brianna Paredes, and Natalie Pacheco traveled to the THSWPA State Powerlifting Championship held in Frisco, Texas to compete for gold. Of these three girls, Natalie Pacheco was the only to place, and with a first place title at that! Way to go ladies! Congratulations on a successful season as the 2023 girls powerlifting season has come to an end. Natalie Pacheco, first place, squat 475, bench 255, dead lift 415, total 1145. Brianna Paredes, eleventh place, squat 335, bench 120, dead lift 290, total 745. Nivea Sanchez, disqualified, squat 405, bench 0, dead lift 315, total 0.
Devine Arabian powerlifter Neenah Guerro places fifth place at state. Congratulations!
Last Friday, March 17th, Devine Arabian senior Neenah Guerrero traveled to compete in the THSWPA Powerlifting State Championship held in Frisco, Texas. Her hard work throughout the season earned her a fifth place title. What’s more impressive is the fact that this was Neenah’s first year being a member of the powerlifting team. Way to compete and congratulations on a successful season! Neenah Guerrero, first place, squat 250, bench 130, dead lift 225, total 605.
Malakai Castro defends the goal at the State Tournament. The Pirates fell to Childress in the State Semi Finals. Photo by Vori B
Jerel Beaty Staff Writer Lytle came within three points of playing in the Alamodome this past weekend at the State Tournament as their season ended in the Regional Final game against Columbus 62-59. Lytle won their Regional Semifinal against Rio Hondo 69-48. Lytle finished its season at 27-11. “Behind the great support we had in Seguin, we scored 31 points in transition and had 19 steals against Rio Hondo! Our defense was too much for the Valley-team to handle. We were up 35-17 at the half and never looked back. Fizz Hutton picked up 500 steals for her career here in Lytle she got the name ‘Pick a Pocket Fizz’!” The Lady Pirates made it back to the Regional Final, or the “Elite 8” as Coach Wilson likes to refer to it. “This time we knew we had a chance to advance to the dome if everything worked out. We knew we were facing a good Columbus team, but we felt our defense could get us past them.” Lytle was down by three after the first quarter, 14-11, but Calyssa Sevier hit a big three-pointer that helped her team to a 29-25 halftime lead. That momentum quickly faded as Columbus went on a 22-10 third-quarter scoring-spree to take a 47-39 lead into what would become the last eight minutes of the quarter for the Lady Pirates. “We had a rough 3rd quarter,” was Wilson’s statement regarding that ill-fated eight-minute stretch. Lytle was not going to give up the ship, however, and fought back to outscore Columbus 20-15 in the final frame. “We took the lead with 1:40 left in the game, but we were in foul trouble. The first one to go was Katara then after we took the lead by one.” Sevier fouled out moments later, followed by Cadee Martinez. “Calyssa got the hot hand that brought us back, but she got called for a tick-tack foul and had to leave the game with 5 fouls. We are still up at that point, though, but then Caddie got called for a tick-tack foul as well. Now, three of our five starters are not on the floor. The remaining two starters and reserves who were ready for the moment almost brought Lytle a Regional Championship. “We still have a chance to tie the game, only down by three points. Fizz tried for a three, but it was short and time ran out.” It was quite the season for the Lady Pirates. A season that saw them play a rigorous schedule in hopes that it would propel them to the Final Four in the Alamodome. The team came up just short of that goal, but created so many good memories for themselves, their coaches, and for the community of Lytle. “All year long if you have watched these girls, we play hard defense and never have never had three starters fouled out of any game. To get some of the calls we got in a Regional Final game was heartbreaking. If you were in the gym you felt the heartbreak and saw the tears. This will be one of those games that will be talked about for years to come!” The support that Lytle generated throughout the season was simply amazing. “What I loved about this season is the support from the community. People always say Lytle has no spirit, well, we sure proved them wrong. I had alumni from all years calling and texting how proud they were of the team and that is what it is all about. To represent your community with pride and to see their excitement and having them feel good about our little town is amazing. This season may have come to an end but the memories will last a lifetime.” Lytle returns seven players from this team for the 2023-2024 season, and Wilson is high on her 8th grade group that will be freshmen next year. Even so, saying goodbye to seniors is never an easy thing, especially to a senior group that has put Lytle’s name on the map in girls basketball. “I feel for seniors Cadee Martinez, Fizz Hutton, Mac Sessom, and Rose Scotello. For the last three years, they (Cadee and Fizz) have been part of a team that combined for more than 60 plus wins, 3 District Titles, back-to-back Regional Final Appearances, and 10 golden balls in all. I have to say that is an incredible resume. They gave everything they had and they will be remembered forever as the Lytle basketball team that made history!” Big Thanks! “I want to thank everyone that followed us all season, and for all the support. I will not personally thank anyone because I know I would leave someone off, but we know who you are! It was a great ride, but everything great has to end sometime…I just wish we would have had one more week.” Combined stats Calyssa Sevier had an incredible showing in the Regional Tournament this girl is the real deal 65 points 13 rebounds 5 assists 12 deflections 16 steals 2 charges; Fizz Hutton 26 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 22 deflections, 12 steals, 1 charge; Cadee Martinez 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 deflections; Katara Whitfield 14 points, 18 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist, 5 deflections, 1 steal; Amelia Martinez 2 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 deflections, 4 steals; Mac Sessom 3 points, 4 rebounds, 4 deflections, 2 steals; Arianna Garcia 2 points, 1 rebound.
Devine Varsity Arabian #1 Natalie Valle hits a double and called safe at second.
Last Tuesday, March 7th, the Devine Arabian softball team traveled to Uvalde to play their third district game of the season. Strong pitching and limited error in the field won the match for the Arabians 3-0. The win puts the girls at a district record of 2-1, two losses; one win. Pitcher Hilary Barnett threw a shutout, lasting seven innings, allowing five hits and zero runs while striking out 11 and walking zero. In the batter’s box the Arabians tallied seven hits. Denise Contreras and Natalie Valle led the team with two hits each. Stats for the match are as follows: Batting: Singles: Natalie Valle-2, Angelina Rios-1, Maddie Brown-1, Denise Contreras-2. Triples: Yaya Rodriguez-1. Runs: Valle-2, Rodriguez-1. Fielding: Assists: Valle-1. Outs: Valle-1, Rios-1, Kynedie Cruz- 1, Kate Featherly-2, Barnett-2, Allie Dugosh-1, Rodriguez-11, Skylar Blanton-2. Pitching: Barnett: Hits Allowed-5, Strikeouts-11. Friday, March 10th, the Arabians hosted a match against Carrizo Springs. The Arabians trampled Carrizo a whopping 13-3. A threat on the mound and the batter’ box, Hilary Barnett tallied 4 hits; a single, two doubles, and a home run. On the mound, Barnett surrendered three runs on five hits over five innings, striking out ten and walking one. Varsity Arabians Kate Featherly and Angelina Rios were threats in the batter’s box as well with a home run each. As a team the Arabians totaled 15 hits. Yaya Rodriguez, Denise Contreras, and Hilary Barnett each collected multiple hits, and Natalie Valle, Kynedie Cruz, Kate Featherly, and Allie Dugosh each made contact with one. The win settled the girls at a district record of 2-2. Batting: Singles: Rodriguez-2, Cruz-1, Barnett-1, Dugosh-1. Doubles: Valle-1, Rios-1, Rodriguez-1, Barnett-2, Contreras-1. Triples: Contreras-1. Home Runs: Rios-1, Featherly-1, Barnett-1. Runs: Valle-1, Rios-1, Rodriguez-3, Cruz-1, M Rivera-2, Featherly-1, Barnett-1, Dugosh-1, Contreras-2. Fielding: Outs: Valle-1, Rodriguez-10, Featherly-2, Contreras-2. Pitching: Barnett: Hits Allowed-5, Walks-1, Strikeouts- 10.
