Category: Sports

Local Sports coverage of your Warhorse and Arabians, Colts, Fillys, Lytle Pirates, Lady Pirates, Mustangs and Lady Mustangs

Natalia Lady
Mustang Softball

Varsity Natalia Mustang #5 Skylene Gallegos makes contact with the ball. By MB.

Last Tuesday, March 7th, the Natalia Lady Mustangs defeated Luling 10-0! The Natalia Lady Mustangs racked up eight hits for the day. Threats in the batter’s box for the match include Isabel Laque,Kody Blanquiz, Kira Jimenez, and Marina Billalobos. Leading the Mustangs in hits were Jimenez with 3, and Blanquiz with 2. Blanquiz and Billalobos worked together to pitch a shut-out. Blanquiz lasted four and two-thirds innings, allowing seven hits and zero runs while striking out four and walking one. Billalobos lasted one-third of an inning, allowing zero hits and zero runs while walking zero. Stats for the match are as follows:
Batting: Singles: Blanquiz-2, Vera-1, Jimenez-1, Gallegos-1, Laque-1. Doubles: Jimenez-2. Runs: Blanquiz-2, Vera-1, Ramirez-2, Figueroa-2, Segovia-1, Billalobos-2.
Fielding: Assists: Segovia-1. Outs: Blanquiz-3, Jimenez-4, Skylene Gallegos-1, Syrene Gallegos-2, Abigail Figueroa-1, Segovia-3, Laque-1.
Pitching: Blanquiz: Hits Allowed-7, Walks-1, Strikeouts-4. Billalobos: Hits Allowed-0, Walks-0, Strikeouts-0.
Friday, March 10th, the Mustangs took on the Poteet Aggies. The Lady Mustangs were down 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning when Billalobos brought in three runs with a home run, winning the match 5-3! Billalobos pitched all seven innings as well. The Mustang surrendered three runs on eight hits over seven innings, striking out eight and walking one. Threats in the batter’s box were Billalobos with 3 hits , Gallegos with 1, Saenz with 1, and Laque with 1. Stats for the match are as follows:
Batting: Singles: Skylene Gallegos-1, Valerie Saenz-1, Marina Billalobos-1. Doubles: Billalobos-1, Isabel Laque-1. Home Runs: Billalobos-1. Runs: Kira Jimenez-2, Gallegos-1, Araceley Segovia-1, Billalobos-1.
Fielding: Outs: Jimenez-8, Skylene Gallegos-1, Saenz-2, Syrene Gallegos-1, Abigail Figueroa-3, Segovia-2, Billalobos-2, Laque-2.
Pitching: Billalobos: Hits Allowed- 8, Walks- 1, Strikeouts- 8.

Warhorse Regional recap; Seth DeLeon on to State
Powerlifting Meet!

Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Seth DeLeon punched his ticket to the State Powerlifting Meet in Abilene March 24 with his 1,200lb effort in the 148lb weight class at Regional. DeLeon, Juan Rendon, Diego Mendoza, Joe Guerrero, and Zach Martinez all competed for the chance to advance to the final meet of the season last Friday in Kingsville.
Seth totaled 1,210lb to get the automatic state bid in his class by squatting 460, benching 315, and deadlifting 435 to finish 4th overall in Region 5 Division 2.
Juan Rendon (114lb) totaled 725lb by squatting 280, benching 145, and deadlifting 300 to finish 11th in the region.
Diego Mendoza (123lb) totaled 860lb by squatting 375, benching 175, and deadlifting 310 to finish 9th in the region.
Joe Guerrero (123) totaled 840lb by squatting 315, benching 195, and deadlifting 330 to finish 10th in the region.
Zach Martinez (198lb) totaled 1,335lb by squatting 520, benching 365, and deadlifting 450 to finish 9th in the region.
Congratulations to all Warhorse lifters, and best of luck to Seth at State March 24 in Abilene!

Seth DeLeon punched his ticket to the State Powerlifting Meet in Abilene March 24 with his 1,200lb effort in the 148lb weight class at Regional.
Warhorse powerlifters (left to right): Joe Guerrero, Zach Martinez, Diego Mendoza, Seth Deleon. Not Pictured; Juan Rendon.

4 Lytle Lifters Statebound,
several compete at regionals

Lytle has three lady pirate lifters who are Statebound in Powerlifting including Natalie Pacheco, Nivea Sanchez, and Brianna Paredes. They will head to state on March 16th in Frisco.
Pacheco placed 1st in her weight class and set the regional record for deadlift twice, first at 390 then again at 410 pounds!  She is also ranked 1st in the state heading into the state meet!  Nivea Sanchez placed 2nd in her weight class and Brianna Paredes qualified by reaching her qualifying total.
In the boy’s side, Pirates Mario Diaz, Luke Estrada, and Robert Inming qualified for Regionals. Mario Diaz earned 1st place in his weight class and the Outstanding Deadlifter Award, officially punching his ticket to the State Meet in Abilene. Robert Inming and Luke Estrada gave their all and gained great regional experience.
“These kids continue to push boundaries, and again I am so proud to be your coach,” said Coach Melissa Gomez in a recent post.

State Qualifying Lytle Lady Pirates Natalie Pacheco, Nivea Sanchez, and Brianna Paredes. They will head to state on March 16th in Frisco.

Regional Qualifying Lytle Pirates (left to right): Luke Estrada, Mario Diaz (state qualifier), and Robert Inming.

Lady Mustangs win fourth Power Lifting
Regional Championship, six qualify to State

The Natalia Lady Mustangs captured their fourth Regional Power Lifting Championship March 4th. Three lifters will be advancing to the State Meet to be hosted on March 16 in Frisco, Texas, Dominique Banda, Ashley Aguirre, Araceley Segovia, Jiselle Olivarez, Abigail Fulton , and Isabel Laque.
Senior Dominique Banda : State Qualifier 114lb Weight Class Squat – 285 Bench – 140 Dead – 255 Total – 680 Senior Dominique Banda earned herself a trip back to the state meet by placing 3rd in her weight class. In the past season, Dom suffered a back injury… she approached this year with one mission, to earn herself a trip back to the state meet. She did just that! We are excited for Dom and look forward to watching her compete in her final meet of her career.
Senior Jiselle Olivarez : State Qualifier 220lb Weight Class Squat – 500 Bench – 250 Dead – 395 Total – 1145 Senior Jiselle Olivarez punched her ticket to the state meet placing 1st in her weight class at the regional meet. This is the third year in a row that Jiselle has been a regional champion. Jiselle will look to earn her 3rd state title at the state meet in Frisco.

Natalia Lady Mustang Abigail Fulton 123lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.


Sophomore Abigail Fulton State Qualifier 123lb Weight Class Squat – 260 Bench – 135 Dead – 255 Total – 650 Sophomore Abigail Fulton earned a spot in the state meet by finishing 2nd in her weight class at the regional meet. Abigail competed very well but just fell short of the 1st place spot. This will be Abigail’s first me qualifying for the state meet.

Natalia Lady Mustang Ashley Aguirre 165lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.


Junior Isabel Laque, State Qualifier, 259 Weight Class
Freshman Ashley Aguirre, State Qualifier, 165 Weight Class. Freshman Ashley Aguirre came out strong her freshman year representing Natalia well. We will never forget when she was just a 7th grader and so eager to lift for us and just excited to be a part of it, now she is getting that opportunity! Ashley qualified for State in the 165s with a 330 Squat 140 bench and 325 deadlift finishing with a total of 795lbs. Ashley finished 2nd in her weight class and hit the qualifying total for state. We look forward to watching Ashley compete this Thursday at the state meet! 

Natalia Lady Mustang Araceley Segovia 198lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.


Junior Araceley Segovia, State Qualifier, 198 Weight Class. Junior Araceley Segovia had a great regional meet, returning home as a 198lb Regional Champion. Celey secured her title with a 465 squat, 165 bench and a 345 deadlift for a total of 975lbs. She has done a great job leading the way this season. Entering the state meet she is sitting 2nd in her weight class. We look forward to Thursday and the opportunity for her to go compete for a state title!
Senior Sam Lopez: 105lb Weight Class Squat – 215 Bench – 90 Dead – 185 Total – 490 Senior Samantha Lopez completed her power lifting career on Saturday at Regional, finishing 4th in her weight class. This was Sam’s first trip to regional and we’re excited she was able to place and earn herself a medal! Sam has been a huge part of our success this season, doing her part and placing in every meet to earn us team points. We are going to miss Sam and wish her the best of luck in her future!

Natalia Lady Mustang Isabel Laque 259+lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.


Senior Ava Sanchez : 114lb Weight Class Squat – 245 Bench – 1130 Dead – 250 Total – 625 Ava Sanchez competed in the final meet of her career finishing 5th place at the regional meet. This wasn’t an easy task as she faced a potential bomb out on bench. She showed us the true competitor she is and was able to complete her last and final attempt. We couldn’t be any more proud of her fight! Ava has been someone we are able to depend on, someone who always does her part and isn’t afraid to hold others accountable when needed. With Ava being a senior, we are going to miss her commitment and leadership in the weight room and in the classroom!

Natalia Lady Mustang Jiselle Gonzales 220lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.


Senior Rebekah Sanchez : 123lb Weight Class Squat – 240 Bench – 90 Dead – 250 Total – 580 Senior Rebekah Snachez completed her power lifting career on Saturday at Regional, finishing 6th in her weight class. Bekah just barely missed a medal by 5lbs! She has worked hard all season long helping lead the team as a senior. We are thankful for her commitment and leadership the last 4 years!
Senior Marina Billalobos: 181lb Weight Class Squat – 285 Bench – 130 Dead – 295 Total – 710 Senior Marina Billalobos completed her power lifting career on Saturday at the Regional Meet in Robstown, TX finishing 7th place. Marina had a great power lifting career, qualifying for regional two years in a row. We will miss Marina’s leadership and willingness to do whatever was best for the team!
Senior Valerie Saenz: 181lb Weight Class Squat – 290 Bench – 140 Dead – 260 Total – 690 Senior Valerie Saenz came out for her senior year. Having taken some me off, she did a great job competing this season and earning herself a trip to the regional meet where she placed 9th in her weight class. Val showed up on Saturday ready to compete and finished her career with a personal best in squat and dead lift. We will miss Val’s leadership and competiveness!
The chart features the rest of the Regional Championship team, all under classmen.

Natalia Lady Mustang Dominique Banda 114lb Weight Class STATE QUALIFIER.

Pirates STATEBOUND!

Nearly 100 years ago, the Lytle boys basketball took their game to State, and here we are again in 2023. The Lytle Pirates Basketball team is on fire, and making history. Siren escorts led them out of town as they headed for the big game and the feeling was electric as sirens brought them back into town as Regional Champs. It was smooth sailing as the Pirates cruised to a 67-33 victory over London last week, claiming the Regional title and are now Statebound! The Pirates will play in the State Semifinals on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 3pm at the Alamodome in San Antonio. All Lytle ISD campuses will have an early out so the community can attend the game.
There is lots of talent and heart on the roster led by six seniors this year. Teammates are: Jordan Balderaz- Sr., Malakai Castro-Sr., Eli Vega-Sr., Jaelen Guevara-Sr., Tomas Benavidez-Sr, Zachary Perez-So., Andres Cardenas-Sr, Brandon Obando-Jr., Andrew Gonzales-Jr., Chase Guevara-Fresh, Derrick Diaz-Jr., Tristen Guevara-Jr. Demetrius Lopez-Sr., Lee Mills-Fresh.

Regional Semifinal Champs!!!

So close! The Lytle Lady Pirates clenched the Bi-District, Area, Regional Quarterfinal, and Regional Semifinal Championships this year before falling to Columbus by only 3 points. Above, Coach Lori Wilson and her team celebrate the Regional Semifinal Championship last weekend. Poster page and story inside. This awesome shot showing all the excitement of the night was captured by Samantha Martinez.

The Lytle Lady Pirates…Pictured in Front row L-R are: Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach Lori Wilson, Amelia Martinez, Cameron “Fizz” Hutton, Calyssa Sevier,
Cadee Martinez, Mackenzie Sessom. Back row L-R: Ariana Garcia, Jessica Mata, Valentina Ayala, Lunna Reyes, Katara Whitfield, Assistant Basketball Coach Tammie Tilley,
Assistant Basketball Coach Kaitlyn Kyle, Team Manager Lola Patino, Olivia Vielma. Not pictured: Rose Scotello. Photos by Lorraine Migura.

BROOM-BROOM!
WARHORSE & COLT FOOTBALL SWEEPS ALL 4 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS!

Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Warhorse Nation got to get their Halloween brooms out early last Thursday and Friday as all four Devine football teams captured not only a district championship, but UNDEFEATED DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS as well with each of their victories this past week.
The 7th grade Colts got the first one with their win over Pearsall, while the 8th grade Colts wrapped up DC #2 a short while later with their 14-8 win.
The JV destroyed Pearsall 47-6 to get #3, while everyone patiently waited for the outcome of the varsity’s district championship deciding game Friday night in Pearsall.
Devine defeated the Mavericks 29-22 to give Warhorse Nation its fourth championship in a matter of 26 hours.
Not only did Devine sweep their District 14-4A competition, they did not drop a single ball game at any level as the varsity finished 4-0, while the JV, 7th grade, and 8th grade all finished league action with a spotless 3-0 record.
“Man what a great season for our football program!” said an understandably excited Head Coach Paul Gomez. “Our 7th grade is undefeated so far with an 8-0 record and were District Champs. Our 8th grade is 7-1 and District Champs, our JV went 9-1 and were District Champs as well, and finally our Varsity goes 9-1 for the year with a District Championship Trophy and an opportunity to advance in the playoffs! This is just an awesome achievement for the program. A clean sweep in all levels in the district! I’m so proud of all of our players from 7th grade all the way up to our varsity! What a great accomplishment! Now it’s playoff time for our varsity and our 7th and 8th grade teams have one more game vs Comfort. So, football season is still alive and exciting in Devine, Texas!”
Congratulations to all 174 Warhorse and Colt players and coaches on each of your District Championships!
Varsity
Wero Torres, Sam Guardiola, Ethan Santos, Caden Handon, Gabe Esquibel, Aaron Saenz, Nate Ramirez, Brandon Martinez, Marcus Rodriguez, Luke Friesenhahn, Aiden Zapata, Nicholas Ortiz, Karter Brown, Ethan Matinez, Ayden Leal, Brayden Reyes, Aaron Bonilla, Eli Contreras, Ozzie Garcia, Edward Perez, Seth DeLeon, Logan Camarillo, Edwardo Gonzales, Lalo Hernandez, Derek Traylor, George Saenz, Kolt Hackebeil, Zach Martinez, Wyatt LaFond, Trystan LaFond, Corey Dirck, Gordon Stolman, Joseph Rojas, Jackson Hagdorn, Matthew Gomez, Oscar Gelacio. Coaches: Paul Gomez, Evan Eads, Shayne Gallegos, Devin Rotramel, Heath Poppe, Bart Oropeza, Joseph Sadler, Lon Cozby, Jacob Sanchez, Zach Valenzuela, Steven Estrada.
JV
Mason Beaver, Anthony Saldivar, Ty Sadler, Teotimo Stafford, Ryan Weinkam, Ray’sean Beaver, Jameson Ramirez, Mario Vicente, Bo Wheeler, Ivan Mendoza, Alfredo Ramirez, Jaythn Rosales, Jacob Rodriguez, Jeremy Steinbrunner, Jonathan Morales, Christian Monreal, Aiden Salazar, Lucas Rodriguez, Nick Macias, Eddie Martinez, Gavin Socarras, Riley Gutierrez, Emmanuel Schofield, Henry Ramirez, Richard Hernandez, Wyatt Stevens, TJ Buvinghausen, Luis Jimenez, Adam Guerrero, Joselyn Jimenez, Gilbert Soto, Derek Traylor, Christopher Sanchez, Ethan Appling, Sam Diaz, Christian San Miguel, Lucas Hicks-Hernandez, Nate Martinez, Joel Rios, Tate Wisenbaker, Tyler Hinnant, Sam Morales. Coaches: Poppe, Oropeza, Cozby, Sancez, Estrada.
8th Colts
Junior Williams, Mike Rodriguez, Zac Guerra, Cole Reyes, Jesus Cisneros, Jaden Rodriguez, Jett Toner, Alejandro Ramirez, Shawn Lowe, Rowdy Esparza, Gaige Whitaker, Carlos Talamantes IV, Esai Sanchez, Cason Davis Jack Rumfield, Jacob Mares, Cisco Rios, Christian Beaver, Aiden Del Rio, Becker Byrd, Damon Johnson Jr., Rylan Cortinez, Andres Padilla Jr., Christian Ross, RJ De La O, Sergio De Leon, Alex Molina, Christian Gutierrez, Gloriana Jimenez, Andres Hernandez, Amari Harvey, Angel Castillo, Matthew Grissom, Jordan Rosas, Nathaniel Bailey, Claleb Herrera, Jacob McKee, Ayden Martinez, Dresden Snider, Cameryon Copeland, Bryson Robison. Coaches: Cozby, Sanchez, Valenzuela, Estrada.
7th Colts
Enoch Hall, Cory Williams, Nathan Saldivar, Caleb Maxwell, Jayden Rivas, Alejandro Lopez Jr, Zane Fritz, Brian Belor, MJ Lawler, Brody Lane, Kaleb Oropeza, Austin Smith, Conner Guzman, Eli Valles, Braden Mann, Tai Moss, Eugene Sanchez Jr., Jacob Casias, Jaykob Reynolds, Eli Martinez, Colt Smith, Landon Cheshire, Nicholas Martinez, Jacob Camacho, Asher Mills, Cord Lassere, Billy Shuler, Erick Rios, Colt Flroes, Ceasar De La O, Mason King, Payton Hester, Logan Duncan, Ivan Iglesias, Canton Urrabazo, Aiden Martinez, Kolter Parker, Nickalus Vasquez, Jaxon Ehlinger, Kaleb Del Rio, Duke Wheeler, Ryan Botello, Damian Hernandez, Marcus Gomez, Dylan Hinnant. Coaches: Cozby, Sanchez, Valenzuela, Estrada.

Warhorses, Arabians, Lady Mustangs finish season at Regionals

The Devine Arabian and Warhorse Cross Country teams, as well as the Natalia Lady Mustangs finished their season at Regionals. Devine Front (l to r): Kristofer Aguirre, Jillian Guajardo, Rachel Stotts, Charlee Rangel, Kristina Morales, Yaya Rodriguez, Rebecca Mares, Ashley Mattke. Back row: Jesse House, David Gutierrez , Donovan Dixon, Joe Guerrero, Stephen Culver, Mario Vicente, Thomas Mendoza, Enrique Midobuche.

The Devine Arabian and Warhorse Cross Country teams, as well as the Natalia Lady Mustangs finished their season at Regionals. Devine Front (l to r): Kristofer Aguirre, Jillian Guajardo, Rachel Stotts, Charlee Rangel, Kristina Morales, Yaya Rodriguez, Rebecca Mares, Ashley Mattke. Back row: Jesse House, David Gutierrez , Donovan Dixon, Joe Guerrero, Stephen Culver, Mario Vicente, Thomas Mendoza, Enrique Midobuche. The Lady Mustangs pictured on right are: Ritzi Robles-Ocanpo, McKyenzie Flores, Yahdi Lujan, Tyli Ventimiglia, Jasmine Riso, Kiara Garcia.

The Lady Mustangs pictured on right are: Ritzi Robles-Ocanpo, McKyenzie Flores, Yahdi Lujan, Tyli Ventimiglia, Jasmine Riso, Kiara Garcia.

Racing to State, baby!

The Statebound Lytle Lady Pirates Cross Country team runners are: Samantha Mujica, Frances Scotello, Klayre Cook, Marissa Lopez, Moriah Gomez, Dezmarie Ortega, and Eisabel Guerrero. Lopez (4th) and Gomez (5th) also qualified as individuals. The team finished only 10 points from #2 Poth. Below, the Regional Championship Lytle Pirate teammates are: Johnny Alvarez, Robert Wagner (Holding trophy), Tristan Lopez, Yandel Esquivez, Abel Sanchez, Brandon Obando, Luke Estrada. Alvarez (5th), Obando (6th), and Wagner (9th) also qualified as individuals. All six placed in the top 28. The team is UNDEFEATED.