Warhorses rein in Mustangs 62-6

Varsity Warhorse #56 Andrew Padilla recovered the fumble and took it to the house during Devine’s win over Natalia. Behind him celebrating are #17 Sergio DeLeon, #20 Brayden Mann, #16 Blaze Deshotel, #9 Alejandro Ramirez. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
If there was any question whether the Warhorses remembered what happened the last time Natalia came to town, it was answered almost immediately Friday night. Devine scored on its first offensive snap, added three more touchdowns before the first quarter ended, and never let its foot off the gas pedal, rolling to a convincing 62-6 victory over the visiting Mustangs in a District 14-3A Division I showdown at Warhorse Stadium.
The victory came one year after Natalia escaped Devine with a thrilling 27-24 win. This time, however, Devine left little doubt. The Warhorses piled up 509 yards of total offense, including 296 rushing and 224 passing, while a swarming Devine defense limited Natalia to just 109 total yards including only 26 on the ground. And it all started before Devine’s offense ever took the field.
Natalia won the coin toss and elected to receive, but a little Mustang miscommunication quickly turned into a huge break for the Warhorses. Duke Wheeler and Logan Alexander raced to a bouncing kickoff, with Wheeler barreling into the returner to prevent him from securing the ball before Alexander pounced on the loose ball. Devine took over just 24 yards from the end zone with no time coming off the clock.
Offensive Coordinator Devyn Orta wasted no time taking advantage. Quarterback Nate Valle lofted a post-route throw to Brody Lane, who hauled in the 24-yard touchdown pass with 11:50 remaining in the first quarter. Israel Casas added the extra point, and Devine led 7-0 before many fans’ Frito Pies had time to cool off. “Those two first big plays certainly lit the stadium and our sideline on fire,” Devine Head Coach Jacob Campsey said. “Duke came put a big hit on the guy on kickoff and Logan, who seems to be Johnny-on-the-spot especially on special teams, recovered it. The next play Nate finding Brody settled us in very quickly to the game.”
Natalia managed a first down on its next possession, but the drive quickly became another Warhorse scoring opportunity. Wheeler blitzed from the defensive right side and forced a blindside fumble that Andres Padilla recovered. Four plays later, Enoch Hall powered into the end zone from 16 yards out, making it…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!