If the Boerne game last Friday night seemed like déjà vu all over again in comparison to the opener from the 2016 season, Warhorse fans hope that outcome provides a needed spark to Devine’s 2017 season. After starting the season 0-1 in ’16, the Horses ran off nine consecutive victories to finish their regular season schedule.
The first loss by a 2016 opponent of those nine straight Devine victories fell upon the Brackenridge Eagles whom the Warhorses beat 49-39. The ground game proved big as the Horses rushed 56 times for 378 yards on the night.
Devine’s game plan going into this contest is simply to improve on a foundation that is being poured into place each day at practice and one that will continue through the early season ballgames. This season, the Warhorses are trying to even out their run to pass ratio. Last week against Boerne, Devine rushed 25 times while putting the ball in the air 23 times.
Brackenridge, they of the 2,114 enrollment, are picked to finish second in District 28-5A behind San Antonio Highlands. The player whose shoulders it will fall upon to stop the Warhorse rushing game is pre-season District MVP pick Ruben Perez. Perez (5-9, 200) along with defensive end Isaiah Wallace (6-1, 225) are the top two returning defensive players from the bi-district finalists who finished the season with 6 wins and 5 losses; all six wins were in district ballgames.
Head Coach Willie Hall has listed offensive players to watch as quarterback Vince Gonzalez (5-11, 185), tight end James Hernandez (5-10, 190), and running back Jade Rios (5-11, 190). Gonzalez compiled 947 yards passing and 10 touchdowns a year ago while Ortiz rushed for 348 yards on the season. Edson Ortiz, Gonzalez’s backup, could see extended time if things go south for the Eagles early in the game. Hernandez is being counted upon to stabilize a young offensive line.
Brackenridge is trying to rebound from a sound beating of their own after losing 41-7 against Somerset in their opener. Brackenridge surrendered 457 total yards to the Bulldogs including 288 through the air. The Eagles also fumbled the ball five times, turning it over on three of those occasions.
Kickoff date and time
Teams in San Antonio routinely play on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday…if that sounds like a routine at all. Schedules of stadiums are divided between schools soon after their opponents are finalized. The Warhorses drew a Thursday night game at the SAISD Sports Complex on the Burbank High School campus at 7:00pm. The address is 1000 Edwards with a 78204 zip code.
Travel I35 North, take exit 152B and stay on the frontage road, take a right on Prado St., a left on Edwards, and a right on West Glenn Ave. If all else fails, look for the stadium lights.
By Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer