The Natalia Mustangs (3-1) will square off Friday night in the Strawberry Capital of Poteet versus the much improved Aggies (1-2).
Poteet Outlook
Don’t allow the record to fool you, as losses have come versus #13 state ranked Jourdanton (60-28) and also versus highly touted private school Austin Brentwood Christian (31-12). The Aggies did win versus the Cole Cougars during week two of their season by a score of 40-20.
The 2019 Aggies are led by second year Head Coach Darby House, who welcomed back ten offensive starters and nine defensive from their squad that did go 0-10 a season ago.
The Aggies compete in District 14-4A (Div.II) where they are picked to finish last by the Dave Campbell Magazine behind Hondo, Devine, Pearsall, Crystal City and Carrizo Springs. With their improvement thus far, I personally don’t believe this will prove to be true when it comes to the predicted finish.
The Aggies have welcomed back former Offensive Coordinator and former Natalia Asst Coach Martin Alvarez who has taken over the offense this season.
“Poteet is a lot better than they were a year ago,” Coach Ilyan Martinez said. “Their offense is physical and does a great job of dominating the line of scrimmage. Offensively, they are very familiar and Coach Alvarez is the OC and running a lot of the things we did when he was here with Coach Graves. We expect them to be physical up front behind their massive offensive line and do what they do.
The Aggies are led by senior QB Eric Trevino who has rushed 47 times for 397 yards and 5 TDs and Sophomore RB Ernest Davila who has rushed 56 times for 437 yards and 5TDs. Josh Hill also has 3 receptions for 93 yards and 1 touchdown for the offense.
Their offensive/defensive line is led by Senior #66 Roderick King who stands at 6’5” and 305 lbs. He has 37 pancakes this season as Sophomore Julian Moya has 22 solo tackles and 17 assists for the defense as well.
“We have a great and physical offensive line,” Coach Darby House said. “They are leading the way for our two speedy backs.”
According to House, the injury bug has hit the Aggies recently and they will be without five starters on the offensive side of the football Friday night versus Natalia.
“Our keys to success are taking care of the football, run the ball and contain the Natalia QB.”
Natalia Outlook
This coming Friday night, the main thing Natalia will need to focus on will be themselves. The Stangs will need to be the most physical squad on the field, maintain their blocks versus another talented line and provide QB Woodson time to make things happen.
The receiving core should be able to get back in their groove versus a Poteet squad who is subject to not covering the pass very well and the backs should be able to find the edge against the larger, but not very quick Aggie D-Line.
“Natalia is a good team and well coached,” House said. “They play hard and are physical. Their QB is very mobile and athletic.”
Natalia Head Coach Martinez was asked his thoughts on what needs to happen Friday night in Poteet.
“Nothing changes for us,” Martinez said. ‘We know we have to play better and continue to improve. That is our mindset every week. This week is a little different, because when you are successful, it is easier to overlook the details. When you get beat the way we did, you realize real quick how much work we still have to do. We will be the best prepared we have been all year for this game versus Poteet,” stated a passionate Coach Martinez.
According to Martinez, he is adamant about being detail oriented as the Stangs want to simplify some things and allow his athletes to make plays on the field versus the Aggies.
“I expect our kids to come out with a chip on our shoulder Friday and get back to playing Mustang Football,” Martinez exclaimed.
Kickoff is set
The Mustangs and Aggies will kick-off Friday night in Poteet. Come early, be loud and cheer on the boys in blue. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in the Strawberry Capital.
By Eric Smith
Staff Writer