Devine kicked off their season by dismantling the visiting San Antonio Highlands 46-0 last Thursday. The Horses defense forced a three and out on the Owls first offensive possession, then scored on their first play of 2021 on a 50-yard Eli Contreras run.
Contreras added the two-point conversion run to his game-opening touchdown run to put Devine up 8-0 with 6:22 left in the first quarter. After Alfredo Ramirez returned an Owl punt 30-yards to set up the Devine offense, Contreras rushed in the end zone once again. His second touchdown on the night was from 21-yards away and put the Horses up 14-0 with 6:46 in the second quarter.
Devine took a 20-0 lead with 2:23 left before halftime, this time on an 84-yard Edward Perez touchdown run. Perez shook several defenders along the way in his long and tiring run.
Following intermission, Contreras notched his third touchdown on a 55-yard scamper with 7:50 on the third quarter clock putting Devine up 26-0. His fourth and final touchdown came on a 22-yard run six minutes later to bump the Warhorse lead 32-0.
Edward Perez scored on an 11-yard run with 4:05 left in the fourth quarter. After five consecutive failed two-point conversion attempts, the Horses brought out “super-toe” to kick the extra point.
Taitano Stafford booted the extra point to put the Horses up 39-0. Stafford converted one more extra point after Ramirez hit pay dirt once again on a 45-yard interception return with 1:19 left in the ballgame.
Ramirez’s interception and Stafford’s PAT put the final touches on Devine’s impressive 46-0 whitewashing of the Highland Owls in both teams’ 2021 season opening ballgame.
Offensive
Putting 46 points on the Brown Chevrolet scoreboard for their first game out running a new offense is an impressive feat in itself. Tack on the fact no back laid the ball on the ground that resulted in a turnover to the Owls is also a good sign of things to come.
“I am very proud of the effort we got on Thursday night,” freshman Offensive Coordinator Juan Gonzalez stated. “The boys came out with focus and energy. Eli Contreras, Brayden Reyes, Tony Saldivar, Jason Ramirez, and Edward Perez all ran the ball hard and blocked well when they did not carry the ball. The lineman did a great job opening up some running lanes for the backs.
Alfredo Ramirez had a great game in special teams and on defense. He had some good return yards and we’re looking to get him in the mix to carry the ball more.
There is still room to improve and we will get back to work,” Gonzalez finished saying.
Gimme a ‘D’
Freshman Defensive Coordinator Bart Oropeza was pleased with his squad’s season-opening shutout. In fact, possibly more impressive than pitching a shutout was the fact that the Horses only gave up two first downs the entire night.
“I was very excited about my freshmen defense after Thursday night’s game,” said Oropeza. “These boys flew around to get to the football in packs. This is the key ingredient to having an effective defense. We didn’t allow one score and that will continue to be our goal from week to week.”
Up next
Devine freshman play at home Thursday against Carrizo Springs. The original schedule lists San Antonio Memorial as their opponent. However, Memorial does not have a freshman squad so the Wildcats make the 86-mile trip to Warhorse Stadium.
By Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Freshman Horses demolish Highlands 46-0; home this Thursday vs Carrizo Springs
