Eric Smith
Staff Writer
The Natalia Mustangs will hit the road to Bee County this coming Friday, August 30th to open the 2024 Texas High School Football season against the Skidmore-Tynan Bobcats (16-2A (Div.I). This will mark the first time the two programs have faced off since 2019-2020 district loss on the road 52-21. Natalia has lost their three most previous meetings vs the Bobcats.
Hondo Scrimmage
The Natalia Mustangs wrapped up scrimmage play in God’s Country last Thursday against the Hondo Owls. Natalia Head Coach Jason Reynolds was asked his thoughts on the performance of his young squad and had the following to say: “”This was a great final tune-up against another tough opponent in Hondo,” Reynolds said. “Coach Templin does a great job in Hondo and he had his guys ready to play.”
The Varsity Owls were able to find success on a number of drives offensively, as they held the upper hand with their passing game scoring a total of 4 touchdowns vs. the Mustangs. Despite the scoring, Reynolds felt there was overall growth from the scrimmage.
“Defensively we did a much better job of not giving up the big play in the passing game,” Reynolds said. “We had a turnover and a goal-line stand. Offensively, we also had some big plays in our passing game.”
According to Reynolds, he was concerned his squad was shut out from scoring two weeks in a row, despite the fact they played two solid 4A ball clubs in Bandera and Hondo.
“We were shut out offensively, but we are really close to figuring it out,” Reynolds said. “We have to do a better job of taking advantage of what the defense gives us and capitalizing on opportunities when they present themselves.”
Season Opener at Skidmore
The Mustangs head south on Friday to battle the Bobcats who dropped to Class 2A in the last re-alignment. Skidmore will have their hands full in 16-2A (Div.I), as they are picked by Dave Campbell to finish5th behind Refugio, Three Rivers, Freer and Santa Maria. They are picked to finish ahead of Premont and Rivera-Kaufer.
A season ago, the Cats finished 4-6 (2-4) in their previous 3A district. They return just two offensive starters and four from their squad a year ago.
“Skidmore is searching for their identity, but you can tell they are very well coached,” Reynolds said. “They have a new Head Coach Bill Jehling and having played against teams he has coached, I know they will be ready to play.”
The Cats will be running a spread offense according to Reynolds. “Their QB is the leader of their team and does a good job of managing their new offense.
“They will run mostly 10 and 11 personnel with some RPOs and a quick game, but their QB makes their engine go and we will have to contain him,” Reynolds said.
Defensively, the Cats will be running a 3-3 stack, but will also mix in some 4 man fronts.
“They do a good job of mixing up coverage,” Reynolds said. “They have some size up front and their linebackers do a great job of rallying to the football.”
Kickoff is set in Bee County
The Mustangs and the Bobcats will begin at 7:30 p.m. On the road in bee County. Be sure to make the trip down toward the Coastal Bend and cheer on the boys in blue! Texas High School Football is back, and it’s time to give it #AGNB #TTP