It has come down to this. One of these two storied programs will walk out of Warhorse Stadium Friday night with their first victory of the 2017 season. As both schools come into the contest with identical 0-4 records, this game will provide a necessary boost to morale once the final buzzer sounds.
Hondo, like Devine, has played a challenging pre-district schedule that most would shy away from playing. Losses to teams like Yoakum (33-0), San Antonio Antonian (49-20), Medina Valley (27-20), and Holy Cross (35-7) have helped the team prepare for its tough district schedule. Hondo is hoping that it has put the Owls on the fast-tract to a playoff berth at the conclusion of district play.
Owl’s Head Coach Brett Ratliff has 24 lettermen returning from last year’s Area advancing squad. Four offensive and nine defensive starters has Hondo excited about the chance to return to the state playoffs once again.
Quarterback Cole Frazier leads the Owl’s offense. Frazier has completed 14 of 31 passes for 166 yards on the season. Although he has thrown 3 interceptions, he has rushed 27 times for 44 yards and 1 TD. Running backs Jordan Gomez (50 rushes for 177 yards and 3 TDs) and Jason Olivarez (9 for 30) get most of the attempts out of the backfield.
Defensively, linebacker Will Gardenhire, tackle Lee Keilman, and end Torin Noland are the key players to watch when Hondo defends the Warhorse offense.
Statistically, the Owls and the Warhorses matchup looks like a toss-up. Hondo is averaging 11.75 points per game compared to Devine’s 10.5. Total offensive production numbers has the Owls at 347 yards rushing, 232 passing, and 31 first downs compared to the Warhorses 458 rushing, 477 passing, and 24 first downs.
Regardless of the current winless records by both teams, Hondo-Devine remains a rivalry. Last season’s regular season win by the Warhorses was quickly overshadowed by the 1-9 Owl’s Bi-District victory that ended Devine’s 9-1 2016 season. Although nothing truly is at stake during this game, the winner of this matchup will gain needed confidence and momentum heading into their district competition.
By Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
