Sports – Page 5 – The Devine News

Mustangs battle Badgers

Varsity Mustangs #56 Fernando Bautista, #62 Roger Najera and #61 Pilar Valadez stand ready at the line in between snaps. Najera had four tackles amd recovered one fumble against Karnes City. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports writer
Despite a late comeback, the Natalia Varsity Mustangs fell to the Karnes City badges, 42-28. In their hard fought battle, the Mustangs scored 21 points in the fourth but could not overcome the early deficit set by the Badgers. The Mustangs have an overall record of 3-2 and currently sit at fifth in district.
In the third quarter, Natalia completely shut out the Badgers’ offense.
“Our defense did a great job of flying to the football and getting to the quarterback,” Head coach Jason Reynolds said. “That was the defense that we have seen all season. We were playing with a lot of confidence and I know we will get that from our guys moving forward.”
Reynolds said…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 $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Warhorses drop final non-district matchup vs Marble Falls

Warhorse #22 Payten Edwards evades the defense against Marble Falls. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
It was a long night for Warhorse football last Fridan night in Marble Falls. The Mustangs went up 29-0 before Devine got a couple of touchdowns late in the contest.
Marble Falls prevailed 34-14 as each team moves on to their district schedules to close out the season and chase the state playoffs.
Devine’s first test comes this Friday night as they take on the Carrizo Springs Wildcats at Warhorse Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7pm.
Marble Falls put together a long scoring drive to begin the game, taking the lead on Joaquin Aguilar’s 14-yard touchdown run. Aguilar also booted the extra point to give the Mustangs a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
Devine went on a nice drive of their own on their first opportunity, but after eating up the rest of the first quarter’s clock their drive stalled at the Mustang13 yard line on a 4th and 10 just moments into the second quarter.
Just as they had to start the game the Mustangs chewed up half the second quarter clock on their ensuing 87-yard touchdown scoring drive to go up 14-0.
Devine quarterback Karter Brown hit Michael Rodriguez with a 20 yard pass to set the ball up around midfield, but again the Warhorses were not able to convert a fourth and long situation and had to punt the ball back to the Mustangs with 2:06 to go before the break.
The Warhorse defense stepped up to the task to shut down the Mustangs next drive. On a third and long, secondary player Brody Lane broke up a long pass to force a Marble Falls punt.
Looking to get…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 $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Arabians look to finish District 27-4A strong as playoffs

Varsity Arabians Rylie Wells, Emma McIver and Kyrie DuBose stand ready at the net while Bella Flores tosses up a serve in a thrilling match against Somerset. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Nothing says being overmatched like having 12 aces served against your team, and that is what happened to the Pearsall Lady Mavericks on September 30 against the Devine Arabians.
The Arabians battered the Lady Mavs 3-0 while winning in dominating fashion in each set. Devine won set one 25-11 then it just got worse for Pearsall after that as the Arabians won set…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 $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Local Sports pages!

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 $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Seay offered position at University of Kentucky

ormer Devine football player Jake Seay, sophomore class of 2028, received his first SEC college offer to the University of Kentucky. We’re blessed to receive this first offer and wanted to thank the University of Kentucky and all the coach’s that have had a part in Jake’s development over the years. It all started in Devine for Jake, thank you Devine and Jack Zimmerle for the great start.

Devine Soccer Club makes pitch for county assistance

Pablo Carmona, founder of the Devine Soccer Club, addresses the Medina County Commissioners Court Monday on finding adequate training facilities for his players.

By Anton Riecher
Extending his crusade on behalf of “the beautiful game” to the Medina County Commissioners Court, Pablo Carmona of the Devine Soccer Club urged county officials to help find training fields for local players.
He spoke during the public comment period at the beginning for the commissioners’ court regular session Monday.
“Being in Devine, we noticed that soccer stops for the kids in about the fifth grade,” Carmona said. “At about 10 years old they have to stop playing soccer. There is nowhere else for them to go.”
A Medina County resident for 27 years, Carmona said he and his wife Paula established the Devine Soccer Club to help give local youth a chance at higher education through soccer.
“What is different about our club is we compete against teams in San Antonio,” Carmona said. “We are trying to give them a pathway to maybe go to college and become semi-pro and pro players.”
The Devine Soccer Club has two professional players serving on its board of directors, he said.
“We are looking for a space where we can train and be able to play games because right now we have temporary places but we cannot play games there,” Carmona said. “We have to travel to Canyon Lake, La Vernia, different places because we have no place to develop fields locally.”
Unfortunately, Devine does not have a city park large enough to use for staging games, he said. He asked if the county could assist in providing training fields for interested players in Medina County.
Two officers approved as Natalia ISD SROs
In other business, commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Natalia ISD to assign two licensed peace officers from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office to serve as school resource officers. The motion by Precinct 4 Commissioners Danny Lawler was seconded by Precinct 3 Commissioners David Lynch.
The motion was approved unanimously.
Drug Detection Device
Commissioners also approved the purchase of a TruNarc handheld drug detection device for the sheriff’s office using Operation Lone Star grant funds. Commissioners also approved the use of Operation Lone Star funds to purchase a 2026 Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT Ranch Edition utility task vehicle.
Operation Lone Star is a Texas state border security initiative launched by Gov. Greg Abbott to address illegal border crossings and drug smuggling.

Local Boys to represent USA in High School All-American Game

Two local boys have been selected to represent the U.S.A. in the high school All-American game internationally in the United Kingdom. Jake Seay and Brody Lane were selected by a committee of NCAA coach’s to play against Europe’s best high school international football teams. This is an amazing honor and accomplishment for two small town boys from Devine. Both boys have been named National Radars top 10 in the Nation with Jake Seay being ranked #1 Offensive Lineman for the class of 2028. Jack Zimmerle and the Devine youth football program have done an outstanding job of developing the talent in Devine, great job to all.

Attention Devine sports fans

It is time to show your Devine spirit in the Community Spirit Contest!
For a chance to win a pair of tickets to any home football, volleyball or basketball game, decorate your place (business, home, windows, etc.) in maroon and gold for our Warhorses and Arabians.
Seven lucky winners will be picked, and the first winner will be announced August 8 at meet the Warhorse and Arabians night! Tickets are donated by proud sponsors of the Warhorse/Arabian Nation! See page 3 for more info and scan the QR code with your camera to enter.

Devine Youth Sports Golf closes outseason with awards

What a fantastic way to close out our golf season! A huge CONGRATULATIONS to all of our players for their effort, sportsmanship, and improvement throughout the year. We’re so proud of every one of you!
Intermediate Girls
1st – Violett Miranda
2nd – Emmi Gilliam
3rd – Elena Alexander
Player of the Year: Emmi Gilliam
Intermediate Boys
1st – Gunnar Weber
2nd – Luke Downing
3rd – Daniel Baxter
Player of the year: Jaxson Schott
Advanced Boys
1st – Cohen Carr
2nd – Cooper Stricker
3rd – Charles Stricker
Player of the Year: Cohen Carr

UIL heat safety guidelines for outside athletics and marching band

Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
The University Interscholastic League has a big say in protocols school districts must follow to help reduce the chances of heat related issues that could arise with the beginning of football, tennis, Cross Country, and marching band. The following is from the UIL website.
WBGT
The UIL heat guidelines emphasize the use of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to monitor heat stress and ensure the safety of student-athletes during outdoor activities.
The guidelines are designed to protect student-athletes from heat-related illnesses by implementing scientifically validated monitoring and response strategies. Schools are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these guidelines to ensure a safe environment for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, you can refer to the official UIL resources.
Key Components of the UIL Heat Guidelines
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT): The UIL has adopted WBGT as the standard measurement for assessing heat stress. This measurement considers temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, providing a comprehensive view of environmental conditions that affect athletes’ safety.
Monitoring Protocols
Regular WBGT Readings: Schools are required to take WBGT readings every 30 minutes during outdoor practices, with the first reading taken within 15 minutes before practice starts.
Record Keeping: It is essential to maintain a record of WBGT readings for all outdoor activities to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
Activity Modifications: Based on WBGT levels, schools must adjust outdoor activities to prevent heat-related illnesses. This includes modifying practice intensity, scheduling, and hydration breaks according to established WBGT thresholds.
Emergency Action Plans: All schools must have a plan in place to address heat emergencies, including access to rapid cooling methods such as cold-water immersion tubs or ice wraps.
Cooling Zones: Schools are required to establish cooling zones for WBGT readings of 80°F or higher, ensuring that athletes have access to immediate cooling options.
Hydration and Rest: Coaches must provide unlimited access to water during practices, and rest breaks should focus on rehydration. The guidelines specify the number and duration of rest breaks based on WBGT levels.
Key Updates for 2025-2026
Rapid Cooling Zone Requirement Adjustment: It is a requirement that all schools have equipment that allows for full body immersion in ice water if an individual is experiencing heat illness and distress.
WBGT readings must be taken within 15 minutes prior to the start of practice to ensure accuracy.
Consistent Monitoring: When possible, the same individual should take all WBGT readings during the practice window for consistency.