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Natalia wins 8th straight vs. rival Lytle

Lylte Pirate #4 Connor Martin soars up to try and secure a catch as Natalia’s #9 Paul Zapata closes in. Photos courtesy of Mike Quintero/Texas Sport Shots, www.texassportshots.

Eric Smith
Staff Writer
The Lytle Pirate offense came out and looked sharp in their opening drive last Friday night vs. rival Natalia. They used a 10 play, 70 yard drive before settling for a field-goal. Natalia made adjustments defensively, and this would be the only three points for the Black and Gold. Natalia on the other hand reeled off 47 points en route to a 47-3 win.
“I felt like we finally got into a rhythm for the first time all year and we didn’t put ourselves in bad situations,” Natalia Head Coach Ilyan Martinez said when asked about his team’s first win of the season.
The Pirates received to start the game and got the ball at their own 30 yard line. Lytle used a nice mix of runs by Connor Martin and passes by Freshman QB Toby Davila to players like Darren Martinez and Rudy Cepeda to get down to the Natalia 11 yard line. Unfortunately for the Black and Gold, they had to settle for a 28 yard field goal by Marcos Alvarado with 8:15 to go in the 1st quarter.
Natalia got the ball at their own 42 yard line and went to work quickly. Jaieden Burford came out with a nice pass to Josh San Miguel for a 33 yard gain to set the tone. Two runs in a row by Luis Buentello was capped off with two runs by QB Burford and a Natalia touchdown with 6:38 to go in the 1st quarter. This capped off a 5-play 58 yard drive. The PAT by Miguel Sanchez was good, as Natalia led 7-3.
Lytle came out with their second drive of the evening, but unfortunately could not get anything going as the Natalia defense rose to the occasion forcing a 3 and out punt.
Natalia got the ball at the 50-yard line with 5:58 to go in the 1st quarter and went to work. Natalia used 15-plays of a good pass and run mix to score as Burford found Elijah Banda to score his first of four touchdowns on the night on a 23 yard receiving touchdown. The PAT by Sanchez was good, as Natalia extended their lead to 14-3.
Things only got worse for Lytle in their opening quarter, as their third drive of the game went south quickly. Freshman Davila, who had shown lots of positives early with his arm and mobility, threw up a long ball for a receiver over the middle, but Natalia’s Paul Zapata soared into the air and intercepted it. Natalia got the ball at the Lytle 14 and needed one play to strike. Burford found David Silva for a 14 yard play to give the Stangs a 21-3 lead with 11:32 to go in the 2nd quarter following a Sanchez PAT.
On the ensuing drive, Lytle began to find success as they started at their own 34 yard line. Lytle used eight plays to march down field to their own 48 yard line before the Natalia defense ended the threat again, this time with a David Silva interception.
Natalia got the ball at their own 42 yard line with 7:31 to go in the 1st half and went back to work. Natalia needed just eight plays to march down field and score on a nice hard run by Elijah Banda. The PAT by Sanchez was blocked, but Natalia’s lead was now 27-3 with 4:36 to go in the 1st half. This is how the score would stand at the half.
Natalia scored their first touchdown in the second half with 4:20 to go in the 3rd quarter, as Banda capped off a six-play 40 yard drive with a 3-yard run. The PAT was blocked again by Lytle, but Natalia’s lead was now 33-3.
The Mustangs went on to score two final touchdowns in the game. One came as Burford found Justin Curiel on an 11 yard strike and the final touchdown was on a 37 yard run by Banda giving Natalia a solid 47-3 victory.
“Everything we do starts up front and offensively we were physical and sound in our assignments,” Martinez said. “This allowed our RBs to have a big game on the ground and allowed for our QB to have time to make some plays downfield.”
Coach Adrian Trevino was asked his thoughts on the loss vs. Natalia and had the following to say: “We felt that there were some things offensively and defensively that our team did well,” Trevino said. “There were also some things we didn’t do well enough to keep us in the game. Our kids continued to play hard and if we capitalized on some of the opportunities given, we feel we could have possibly changed the momentum of the game.”
Final Team Stats: Natalia led offensively as they used 62 plays to account for 413 yards of offense which included 162 passing and 251 rushing. Lytle used 51 plays to account for 240 yards of offense which included 164 passing and 76 rushing. Rushing wise, Natalia ran 44 times for 251 yards for an average of 5.7. Lytle rushed 26 times for 76 yards for an average of 2.9. Receiving Natalia had 13 for 162 for an average of 12.5 as Lytle had 9 for 164 for an average of 18.2. Penalties- Both teams had too many as Natalia had 12-107 and Lytle 13-105. Lytle had 4 turnovers and Natalia had 2. Natalia dominated the 1st down mark with 21 compared to 11 by Lytle. Neither team was great on 3rd down, as Natalia was 4-11 and Lytle 3-12.
Individual Stat Leaders: Burford led Natalia at QB and was 12-17-141-3TDs-1INT. Toby Davila was 9-25-164-4INTs. Rushing: Banda was 9-94-3TDs as Buentello was 18-94 and Burford was 14-90. Davila led on the ground for Lytle as he was 13-56 as Martin was 2-14. Receiving: San Miguel led Natalia was he was 3-71 as Silva was 7-55-1TD. Cepeda led Lytle with 4-112 as Martin was 2-32.
Defensive Stat Leaders: Natalia: Assists: Simon Garcia 6, Austin Sutton 3, Luis Buentello 3, AZ Zapata 3. Solo Tackles- Sutton 6, Garcia 5, RJ Velasquez 3. Pass break-ups: Silva 1, Gerardo Colchado 1, Zapata 1, David Rodriguez 1. Interceptions: Silva, Zapata, San Miguel 1 each.
Lytle: Albert Aguilar- 12 solo tackles/4 assists/1 forced fumble; Anthony Perdomo 7 solo tackles/4 assists; Roland Cordova 3 solo tackles/2 assists; Drew Gonzales- 4 solo tackles/1 assists/1 tackle for a loss/1 QB Sack; Luke Estrada- 3 solo tackles/ 1 assist; Jake Guevarea- 3 solo tackles/2 assists/1 QB sack.
Coachs final comments
“We need to continue to work on being consistent in all phases of the game,” Trevino said. “We feel if we could have executed better in the red-zone and in the goal-line areas, it would have given us more momentum early.”
Martinez was asked his thoughts on winning 8 straight vs. Lytle.
“We feel fortunate to be a part of that, but I am really proud of our player’s approach to the tradition that was built here and the importance of the game to the alumni and community,” Martinez said. “Our guys understand the significance of the game and we were focused on the task at hand. We enjoyed and are happy with the outcome, but we need to re-focus and get ready for a tough district.”
Upcoming Games
Natalia will have the week off as they enter the open week 1-3 in a tough four slate of contests ion non-district. Natalia opens district play on Friday, September 30th on their brand new turf field vs. the Comfort Bobcats.
Lytle will prepare for their final non-district game at home Friday vs. Pearsall. See the preview story for further details.

Tye Ray Frisby

Tye Ray Frisby, born on February 19, 1962 to John Paul Frisby and Elva Frisby went into eternal rest on September 12, 2022 at the age of 60 years old surrounded by his wife.
Tye was co-owner of Vel’s Construction.
He was survived by his wife aka “Honey” Velia Brieno Frisby of Devine, TX. He is also survived by his children: Kyle and Tyler Frisby of Devine, TX, Rosalyn Beamish of Devine, TX, Beth Ford of Bandera, TX, Courtney Lamb, Alexander Eric Gonzalez of San Antonio, TX, Ashley Maree Renteria of San Antonio, TX, Alyssa Sara Yanez of San Antonio, TX and Juan Antonio Yanez of San Antonio, TX; 19 Grandchildren; and other relatives.
A Celebration of Life Service held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 in the Hurley Devine Chapel with Pastor Herbert Halbeisen of the Exchange Life Christian Church officiating. Services to conclude at the chapel.

Patrick Joseph Rooks

Patrick Joseph Rooks of Universal City passed away on July 27, 2022 at the age of 51. He was born December 6, 1970 in San Antonio, Texas to Charles Lee Rooks and Anna Mae Coffee Rooks.
In 1989, Patrick graduated from Medina Valley High School. He earned his BS in Biology from The University of Texas at San Antonio and went to work in the insurance industry as a claims manager. He loved to hunt and fish, especially with his daughter, Kaiden.
On December 17, 2005, Patrick married Lisa Ann Benton in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were blessed with sixteen years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Lisa Rooks of Universal City; daughter, Kaiden Rooks; stepdaughter, Kimberly Folley (Bryan); grandchildren, Sebastian Folley and Bryleigh Folley; parents, Charles and Anna Mae Rooks of Natalia; brother, Clyde Rooks (TerriAnne) of La Coste; Deanna Huff (Chad) of Helotes; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and other relatives.
Patrick was preceded in death by his brother, David Rooks.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home with the Holy Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at the Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery in La Coste.
Memorials may be made in Patrick’s memory to the Universal City Animal Shelter, MD Anderson Cancer Center, or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com

Lost and Found: Chicken and Handguns

Another week with not too many calls, that sure is nice. Officers handled 47 calls for service and conducted 88 traffic stops. Those 88 stops resulted in 79 citations and 9 warnings.
Officers made one arrest last week. Sgt. Hanson and Ofc. Pena responded to a domestic disturbance on N. Benton St. and arrested a male for assault causing bodily injury to a family member.
Only three property crimes were reported to us. #1 – H.E.B. Plus reported a theft that occurred on a prior day. An unknown female was observed on camera leaving the store with $9 worth of unpaid merchandise. All I can say is that they have some rather good cameras up there, $9 doesn’t buy much these days …. maybe you could hide that in the palm of your hand. # 2 – H.E.B. Plus reported another theft, a male left the store with a rotisserie chicken and an adult beverage. I’m not sure which flavor rotisserie chicken he got but if I were going to steal one it would be the lemon pepper, it’s good. #3 – A complainant reported that somebody got their new debit card and set up a pin and “went to town”. They charged about $600 before the card was shut down.
In another case, a complainant who reported his handgun as stolen back in 2020 said he found it. We removed it from the system as stolen. I misplace stuff all the time, never done that with a gun though. In another case: A gentleman found a wallet and turned it into the PD, it was full of cash. I thanked him and told him that most people take the cash out before they turn it in. We were able to locate the owner and reunite him with his wallet and cash within the hour.
Mark your calendars for the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. We will be hosting our first National Night Out event since 2019. The event will be held at the Lytle Community Center, so the heat or rain won’t ruin our event. If your group or business is interested in setting up a booth, please email me. I am sure we will be providing food, drinks, and snacks. It should be a fun night. I would have a celebrity show up, but I don’t have those kinds of connections.

Medina County discusses $850K study
for new “loop” around Castroville


The Medina County Commissioner’s Court met for their regular meeting on July 14, discussing a variety of important issues including proposals for the Castroville Loop to ease traffic due to the booming growth there.
The County Commissioners discussed the need for notice of any surcharge on countywide bids, prior to accepting any bid. All agreed this would enable discussion of the surcharge before any bids are accepted. All members voted to approve this proposal.

Continue reading “Medina County discusses $850K study
for new “loop” around Castroville”

Police Chief resigns following outcry


LACOSTE–The City of La Coste is accepting applications for a new police chief after the May 27 resignation of Johnny Kendricks following accusations of his handling of an alleged March 8 shooting incident.
Former Police Chief Richard Gonzalez is acting as part-time interim chief until a permanent replacement can be found, city manager Darrell Rawlings said.
Voting unanimously, the La Coste City Council acted May 17 to authorize Mayor Andy Keller to take disciplinary action “up to and including termination” against Kendricks, citing “tardiness and absenteeism” during his 180-day probation period.
The action came in the wake of controversy in which citizens complained about the way Kendricks handled an incident in which a man reportedly fired a gun at two 12-year-old boys and attempted to run one down with a sports utility vehicle.
Parents of the two children spoke at the May 17 meeting during a period set aside for public comment prior to a closed executive session “to deliberate the appointment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public employee; Chief of Police,” the council meeting agenda stated.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 21.

Voting unanimously, the La Coste City Council acted May 17 to authorize Mayor Andy Keller to take disciplinary action “up to and including termination” against Kendricks, citing “tardiness and absenteeism” during his 180-day probation period.
The action came in the wake of controversy in which citizens complained about the way Kendricks handled an incident in which a man reportedly fired a gun at two 12-year-old boys and attempted to run one down with a sports utility vehicle.
Parents of the two children spoke at the May 17 meeting during a period set aside for public comment prior to a closed executive session “to deliberate the appointment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public employee; Chief of Police,” the council meeting agenda stated.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 21.

Jay Charles Carter

Jay Charles Carter of Natalia, Texas died Saturday, May 14th at the age of 39. Jay was born on February 22, 1983 in Anderson, South Carolina to William and Janis Carter of Natalia.
Jay was active in FFA and Band; he graduated from Lytle High School. Jay belonged to Boy Scout Troop 369 and earned the highest level of Eagle Scout. He was an active member of Bellaire Baptist Church and dreamed of becoming a Deacon just like his PePa.
Jay was well liked and never met a stranger. He was knowledgeable about the world and could carry on a lengthy conversation with most anyone about any topic. A lover of all types of music but especially of KISS and Garth Brooks. He took great pleasure in shopping with his mom, working on projects with his dad, playing cards, dominoes and board games. Jay enjoyed his life with family and friends and wearing his beloved boots, hats and jeans.
Jay is survived by his long-time love, Jessica Rouse of San Antonio; Uncles Charles Maurice Carter (Cathy) of Hartwell, GA and Stephen Cupp (Rogene) of Devine, Texas; Aunts Helen Faye Neely of Hartwell, GA and Virginia (Suki) Abernathy (Jimmy) of DeLeon Springs, Fl. He is also survived by many cousins and a very large extended family.
A memorial service will be held May 28, 2022 at 11:00 am at Bellaire Baptist Church, 105 Clovis Street, San Antonio, Texas 78221. In Lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Bellaire Baptist Church (210) 923-1613.

Devine ISD to fill several unanticipated job vacancies, this year’s Dexta display to trace history of Devine ISD back to 1890s

Nancy Saathoff makes presentation to Devine ISD board.

By Anton Riecher
The Devine School District Board of Trustees voted May 16 to authorize Superintendent Todd Grandjean to hire professional staff as needed during the summer.
A motion by Chris Davis, seconded by Ali Buvinghausen, came after a closed executive session to discuss personnel. Grandjean has earlier mentioned during his monthly report to the board that the interview process was underway for new principals at the elementary and intermediate schools.
Interviews with the candidates for principal were scheduled for May 18, Grandjean told the board.
“We are going to ask for hiring responsibilities tonight like we normally do in the summer,” he said. “We would have that start tomorrow and then finish up at our August board meeting.”
However, Grandjean said he had no plans to hire a new athletic director on his own authority.
“We are not going to hire the new AD on my own,” he said.
Several unanticipated job vacancies have been posited by the district in addition to early retirement resignations that were expected, Grandjean said.
“I’ll give a full report when we go into executive session,” he said.
In further action following the executive session, the trustees voted to change professional contracts entered into by the district to one-year terms as recommended by Grandjean. Again, Davis’ motion to approve the proposal was seconded by Buvinghausen.
Grandjean reported that the district is continuing to meet with the Devine Fire Department regarding the development of a fire and EMS training academy that would prepare students to obtain their certification as emergency responders from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
To earn a certificate, responders must undergo an approved basic fire suppression program, pass an exam and earn accompanying emergency medical qualifications.
“We talked about that a little bit in our budget workshop,” Grandjean said. “We have a draft master schedule ready at the high school. All the kiddos are ready to fit into the slots if we can get it moved forward.”
Devine HS student would concentrate on firefighting in their junior year and move on to studying to be emergency medical technicians (EMT) in their senior year. Plans call for the academy to start this fall with the new 2022-23 school year.
“Our current talks involve the complexities of funding as soon as we get some clear options,” Grandjean said.
Grandjean reported that a meeting of the board of trustee’s strategic planning committee is anticipated in the near future. The committee consists primarily of teachers and community members involved in accessing a comprehensive, long-range facilities plan for the district.
“We are putting our needs into a guide that we can use to continue to the next step,” Grandjean said.
Action by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality remains pending on the district’s application for funding to cover replacement of four school buses. TCEQ earlier authorized $48,000 towards replacement of a 2006 school bus still in use, he said.
Nancy Saathoff with the Devine Ex-Student /Teacher Association reported to the school board on plans for the high school homecoming festivities Oct. 7 and 8. Beside the Friday night football game, the association plans to display its archive collection tracing the history of Devine ISD back to the 1890s.
The association also plans to honor the Devine High School graduating class of 1972 on its 50th anniversary, she said.
“Our annual homecoming information pages and membership forms will be mailed this week to hopefully build up our membership base,” Saathoff said.
This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the Dexta Student/Teachers Association, she said.
“We have a long tradition of serving and supporting our alumni as well as giving annual scholarships for graduated seniors at DHS,” Saathoff said. “All of our funds are raised from the $10 annual dues and $100 lifetime memberships as well as through memorial and honor donations from our generous alumni.”
See updates from latest meeting in article on new hires.

Medina Co: “It’s the worst kind of fire”… could take days to stop

Medina County Emergency Manager Keith Lutz broke the bad news to us around 6PM…..”There is just no way to put it out right now,” Lutz said.

“It’s the worst kind of fire due to the terrain and the wind and dry conditions. They are laying down fire retardant and the fire is jumping ahead of it.”

“Experts are expecting this to be a multi-day event,” Lutz said. “I just got off a phone call with CNN.”

Several subdivisions on the north end of Medina County are in great danger, according to Sheriff Randy Brown. A short update from Sheriff around 5:30PM :

 “If you even smell smoke, you need to pay attention. And if you are in one of those evacuation areas–you need to pack up and go. That’s all there is to it -Sheriff Brown

“It’s threatening to jump the highway at 1283, and we are not having much luck stopping it,” Sheriff Brown said. “The wind keeps changing directions.”


The map above was as of 6 PM on 3/26/22. It will NOT be updated in real time. Refer to social media for further updates. It is designed to show the general area of SOME of those in the path of this fire, which is expected to be a multi-day event.

Medina Co TX : There is a mandatory evacuation in place for all residents in the following area North and Northeast of the fire near Medina Lake. If you are East of County Road 271 and West of the Medina River, and South of FM1283, You must evacuate now! This includes the town of Mico. This is a dangerous situation!! A shelter is open at Loma Alta Middle School, 266 County Road 381 South, San Antonio, TX. See social media for updates

The subdivisions listed on the previous message issued in the EARLY AFTERNOOON of 3/26/22 stated: Summit Ridge, Bear Springs, Ranchland Oaks, Medina Oaks, Laurel Canyon, and the general area.  That was last listed as voluntary evacuations, but Sheriff says “that’s subject to change any time”.

NOTE: Some of the county’s emergency messages are having long delays in getting to some cell phones (including mine). So please watch the social media side as well.

Other officials noted: “This fire continues to burn with limited containment on the north. Residents need to heed evacuation orders. All vehicle traffic needs to avoid the area as it is preventing response crews from reaching areas of importance. Neighborhoods north of 1283 need to have an evacuation plan and be prepared to leave if advised.”

See social media for up to date information as the evening progresses.