2 Thursday, August 25, 2016 2016 Football Preview

WEEK 6
 2016 Football Preview Thursday, August 25, 2016 3

Staff photo by Brian Argabright, file

The Del Rio Rams celebrate winning a share
of the District 29-6A championship in 2015
in Eagle Pass.

Moving targets
Rams foes look to knock off champs
BY BRIAN ARGABRIGHT and his squadron of receiv- and impressed the coaches
brian.argabright@ ers can carry them. with his ability to adapt
delrionewsherald.com Torres was the Rams and move the ball downfield
third string quarterback with both his arm and his

A
new season means last season and saw a lim- legs.
new opportunities, ited amount of time on the On the other side of the
new memories and, field. But this summer Tor- ball, the defense resembles
in the case after UIL realign- res committed himself to an almost entirely new unit.
ment, new foes to face on the learning everything there
gridiron. was to learn about being the
Del Rio is coming off a 9-4 top man in the Rams offense See FOES, Page 4
season in which the Rams
not only won a piece of the
District 29-6A champion-
ship but also reached the
third round of the playoffs
for only the third time in the
schools history.
Now the Rams prepare
to begin their title defense
knowing that not only will
they have to go through
familiar faces like Laredo
United, Laredo Alexander
and longtime rival Eagle
Pass, but new faces as well
in Southwest and South San.
How will the Rams fare?
Del Rio is picked by Dave
Campbells Texas Football
Magazine to finish third in
the district, but the Rams
will only go as far as new
quarterback Greg Torres
 4 Thursday, August 25, 2016
FOES
From Page 3
Nine starters or major con-
tributors to last years Big
Blue Wrecking Crew gradu-
ated including the teams
linebackers and much of its
defensive backfield.
But fear not, fans of de-
fense! Returning to lead this
years team are potential
all-district standouts Jaime
Rico and Jacob Keaton as
well as host of others who
earned some quality time on
the field last season.
The Rams start their sea-
son Friday against the San
Antonio Warren Warriors.
After that its back-to-back
home games before the team
alternates home and away
games until the rivalry
game at Eagle Pass Nov. 4.
So who are the Rams fac-
ing this year? Heres a look.
WEEK 1 - AUG. 26
AT SAN
ANTONIO
WARREN
The War-
riors are projected to fin-
ish sixth in District 28-6A
by Dave Campbells Texas
Football Magazine.
Coming off a season in
which the Warriors finished
3-7 overall, the team lost
much of its defensive stand-
outs to graduation. How-
ever, senior defensive back
Jacob Vasquez (65 tackles)
was a unanimous all-district
first team selection last year
and hell be back to anchor
the Warriors D.
Quarterback Vincent
James, a 6 3 senior, will at-
tempt to lead the Warriors
to the playoffs amid a tough
Northside district and hell
lean heavily on wide re-
ceiver Dennis Houston (449
yards, 3 TDs) and running
back Leo Williams.
WEEK 2 SEPT. 2 WEEK 3 SEPT. 9
VS. KER-
RVILLE
TIVY
ANTLERS
MUSTANGS
The Antlers are project-
ed to finish second in Dis-
trict 26-5A, but thats only
because they lost so much
talent from last years 11-1
team.
2016 Football Preview
While the offense is al-
most in a rebuilding mode
behind all-district senior
running back Hayden
Schreckenbach (more than
1,000 all-purpose yards, 16
rushing TDs) and return-
ing all-district linemen
Pedro Ceballos and Larry
Blundell, the defense is
stacked with talent.
Unanimous all-district
defensive back Ryan Rob-
ertson (1oo tackles, 3 INTs)
leads the Antlers defense.
Hell be joined in the sec-
ondary by second team
all-district award winner
Preston Dimery. The duo
will play behind a tough line
anchored by defensive end
Benton Clendenen (33 tack-
les, 4 sacks).
VS. SAN
ANTONIO
JOHN
JAY
The Mustangs are project-
ed to finish ninth in District
28-6A.
Last years game between
the Rams and Mustangs was
a media event, but only be-
cause it was the first game
following a vicious attack
by a pair of Jay players on
an on-field official. Del Rio
defeated John Jay, 37-14,
thanks to 23 unanswered
second half points.
Jay finished the season
3-7, but this years team does
have plenty of experience in
a lot of key areas.
Leading the defense is se-
nior Lord Tripp, who was a
first team all-district selec-
tion on the defensive line
after he racked up 83 tackles
and 13 sacks. Linebacker
Jordan Jackson (63 tack-
les) will also be a player to
watch.
Offensively, the Mustangs
will be led by sophomore
quarterback Jacob Zeno and
an offensive line that fea-
tures three three-year start-
ers.
WEEK 4 SEPT. 16
AT SAN
ANTONIO
SOUTH-
WEST
DRAGONS
The Dragons are project-
ed to finish this season in
fifth place in District 29-6A.
This is the Rams 2016-17
district opener.
Welcome back the Drag-
ons, who called 29-6A home
for two seasons from 2008 to
2010. They now return for
at least another two years.
The last time Southwest and
Del Rio shared a district, the
Dragons won both district
football titles.
However, the Rams are
familiar with this team hav-
ing played them in each of
the past two seasons. Del Rio
got the better of Southwest
last season, shutting them
out, 34-0.
Despite going 4-7 last sea-
See DISTRICT, Page 26
2016 Football Preview Thursday, August 25, 2016 5
 6 Thursday, August 25, 2016 2016 Football Preview

JAIME RICO TYLER HOPKINS

BY BRIAN ARGABRIGHT to bust loose. Some of the words BY BRIAN ARGABRIGHT on me.
brian.argabright@delrionewsherald.com used to describe by his teammates brian.argabright@delrionewsherald.com The 17-year-old son of Brian and
include monster, aggressive, Jessica Hopkins, Tyler started
Jaime Rico Perez is a man of few determined, and wont back Del Rio is home to the best kicker playing football with the Long-
words. He chooses to let his play do down. in District 29-6A whether the other horns of the Del Rio Youth Football
all the talking for him. Fitting for a player who looks coaches in the district want to ad- and Cheer League and has stuck
The senior defensive end is one up to the reigning NFL Defensive mit or not. with the sport going on eight years
of the few returners on the Rams Player of the Year, Houston Texans Senior Robert Tyler Hopkins, or now. Hes also a member of the
defense that earned accolades his defensive end J.J. Watt. Tyler as hes known to most folks, Rams soccer team.
junior year. He was a District 29-6A Hes relentless. I respect his abili- has been the Rams place kicker I enjoy football because you be-
All-District Second Team selection ty to play against anyone and destroy for two years and is entering his come a family, you become a bet-
at defen- t h e m , third. And ter athlete.
sive end. Rico said. hes got Theres
But de- Rico also the awards something
spite the said that to back up about win-
honor, and hearing the idea ning games
the fact the way his that hes and the at-
that oppos- teammates the best in mosphere
ing offens- describe this dis- that comes
es will have him fuels trict and from play-
to play for his desire maybe this ing in front
his style to go all out region. of all those
of rough on the field. His ac- fans, Hop-
and ready That complish- kins said.
play, Rico kind of talk ments in- H o p -
still is un- gives me clude 2015 kins said
sure when the moti- District he draws
it comes to vation to 29-6A All- inspira-
being de- keep going District tion from
scribed as on every Second D a l l a s
a leader on single play, Team; 2015 Cowboys
defense. to give 100 District 29- kicker Dan
Its good percent 6A All-Dis- Bailey, the
to have that and not trict All- most accu-
kind of ex- lay down Academic rate kicker
perience for anyone Team; 2015 in the his-
because it no matter Del Rio tory of the
helps work what size. Rams Spe- NFL.
your way Im one of cial Teams He goes
up to future leadership. Really, i those players that will never quit, Player of the Year; and 2014 District out there and it looks like hes just
dont know how to describe it, Rico Rico said. 29-6A All-District Second Team. cold. He just doesnt miss. I watch
said, Rico also said that his teammates And dont think pressure phases his form and try to do what he does.
The 17-year-old son of Juan Gerar- are plart of the reason he enjoys the him. Last season he buried a 41- It doesnt look like hes under all
do Rico Lopez and Mortensia Mar- game so much. yard field goal in overtime to beat that pressure but he always makes
cela Perez Ortiz, Rico said he didnt The moments that are made with Laredo Alexander. Two years ago, them, Hopkins said.
start playing football until he was the teams and winning thats his field goal against Eagle Pass But Bailey isnt the person he
in middle school. He picked up the what I enjoy most about football, sent the Rams back to the playoffs. looks up to the most. That spot is
game quickly, though, and earned he said. Its a lot of pressure but thats reserved for his father, Brian.
his spot on varsity as a junior. Like many of his peers, Rico said the life of a kicker. You just have to He has shown me how to be-
Despite his quiet demeanor, and its his family thats home to the overcome that pressure, Hopkins come an athlete and a man. He is
his friendly smile, Ricos teammates people he looks up to. My mother said. I go out there with as much
know the beast that awaits those has taught me a lot of life lessons, confidence as I can because its all
Friday Night Lights and the chance he said. on me. If that snap is perfect, its all See HOPKINS, Page 9
 2016 Football Preview Thursday, August 25, 2016 7

JACOB KEATON SHANE CREAMER

BY BRIAN ARGABRIGHT only be a ball hawk, but also to BY BRIAN ARGABRIGHT All-District First Team
brian.argabright@delrionewsherald.com deliver the hard hits that make re- brian.argabright@delrionewsherald.com 2015-16 District 29-6A Football
ceivers think twice before coming All-District All-Academic Team
Senior Jacob Keaton is eager to into his zone. He said both aspects Hes a playmaker. Hes a beast. 2015-16 District 29-6A Baseball
show everyone why hes thought of his game are represented well. Hes strong, powerful and some- All-District Honorable Mention
of as one of the new leaders of the Im really good at covering, but thing akin to a machine. 2014-15 District 29-6A Basketball
Rams secondary. when I get the chance to get a hit Those are the words senior Shane All-District Honorable Mention
The 17-year-old son of Michael then I will, Keaton said. Creamers teammates chose to de- 2014-15 Del Rio Rams Basketball
and Catherine Keaton, Jacob has Some of that Keaton admits comes scribe the tight end that has trans- Classroom Court Award
played football for all but four from his favorite NFL players - formed his body into a weapon that 2014-15 District 29-6A Football
years of his life. He has played not Arizona Cardinals defensive back will test defenses on a weekly basis. All-District First Team
only for Tyrann Whether 2014-
the Rams Mathieu its block- 15 Del Rio
but he also and Seattle ing for his Rams Foot-
p l a y e d Seahawks teammates ball Offen-
in the safety Earl or blowing sive Player
pee wee Thomas. past line- of the Year
football I look backers for Last sea-
leagues in up to Earl a big gain, son Cream-
El Paso. T h o m - Creamer er gave up
T h e as and said he ac- basketball
thing I en- Tyrann cepts his and fo-
joy most Mathieu role in the cused on
a b o u t because Rams of- baseball
football is theyre fense no and foot-
building a both great m a t t e r ball, but
bond with p l a y - what it is. if he finds
my friends ers even I like success in
and hear- though how the collegiate
ing the theyre coaches see athletics,
crowd, considered different it will be
Keaton u n d e r - things I can most likely
said. sized, he do on the on the grid-
Keaton said. field. I can iron.
saw some Keaton block in This off-
time in a also said open space season,
crowded he enjoys and open Creamer
second- just being up lanes for packed on
ary last a part of our backs about 30
season, enough to earn an honor- the game, especially when he gets or go out on routes. It feels good to pounds of muscle to his already im-
able mention selection to the 29-6A to watch his teammates excel. be able to help the team in so many posing frame. And if the worry was
All-District team. Now hes one of I like watching Shane (Cream- different ways, Creamer said. that the extra weight would slow
the leaders of this years Rams de- er) and Gaston (Flores) go out The 18-year-old son of Bowen him down, coaches report he ap-
fense. there and do something against and Shawn Creamer, Shane has pears to run faster now than he ever
Weve always had a good sec- the other guys. When they make a amassed quite the list of accom- has.
ondary since my sophomore year. big play I go crazy, Keaton said. plishments during his four years at In the Rams scrimmages this
This year its about maintaining Keaton has been described by Del Rio High. year Creamer has made his name
that reputation. I want us to al- his teammates as smart, ag- Until last year, Creamer was with his crushing blocks versus
ways want to get better, to be the gressive, consistent, depend- a three-sport athlete, exceling in his capable hands and speed. He
hardest works and the best ath- able and a playmaker. Hes grate- football, basketball and baseball. said that style of play is something
letes on that field, Keaton said. Among his many accomplishments
Playing the strong safety posi- are the following:
tion gives Keaton a chance to not See KEATON, Page 9 2015-16 District 29-6A Football See CREAMER, Page 9
 8 Thursday, August 25, 2016 2016 Football Preview

GREG TORRES GASTON FLORES

BY BRIAN ARGABRIGHT District 29-6A All-District All Aca- BY BRIAN ARGABRIGHT And he still has one season left to
brian.argabright@delrionewsherald.com demic Team. brian.argabright@delrionewsherald.com play.
Though he spent the summer por- No longer a secret, Flores said he
Senior Greg Torres is ready to ing over the playbook and learning Senior Gaston Flores III is con- welcomes the challenge that comes
take the reins as the starting quar- everything he could about the Rams sidered the best dancer on the Del along with matching up against a
terback for the Del Rio Rams. offense, Torres said the coaches still Rio Rams. defenses best.
Torres, the 17-year-old son of know he has room to improve. But the all-state wide receiver Every day come out and work
Laura Lissner and Robert Torres, The one thing the coaches said I prefers to save his best dances for hard. I know and feel that I have
has been playing football for seven need to work on is that I need to be the end zone. to be the best receiver not just on
years. louder, Torres said. But person- Flores, 17, is the son of Gaston our team, but in the whole district.
He began his career with the ally, I feel that I just need to keep and Juanita Flores. He joined the Whoever lines up against me or if
Chiefs of stuyding varsity they want
the Del the offense team his to double
Rio Youth and study- sophomore team me ...
Football ing the de- year, but in my mind
and Cheer fense of our he blos- Im say-
League and opponents somed into ing Im go-
became a for that an offen- ing to beat
member of particu- sive force t h e m ,
the Rams lar week. I of nature F l o r e s
f a m i l y also need his junior said.
upon arriv- to continue year. A fan
ing at Del to learn A star of Dallas
Rio Middle to read on the bas- Cowboys
School. the cover- ketball wide re-
T h e ages and court and ceiver Dez
t h i r d - be smarter the foot- Bryant,
string sig- with the ball field, hence the
nal caller football. Flores was c h o i c e
last season, Torres honored of jersey
behind se- teammates with the number 88,
niors Ste- recognize following Flores said
ven Salinas his abil- awards last the atmo-
and Walt ity. When season: sphere of
Ashley, asked to 2015-16 the game
Torres saw describe Texas Col- itself is the
limited the quar- lin Street thing he
action on terback, Bakery/ loves most
the field at words such T e x a s about foot-
quarterback. But when the start- as elusive, smart, underrat- Sports Writers Associations Class ball.
ing job became available, Torres ed, and unpredictable were men- 6A All-State Team I love watching the crowd.
jumped at the chance to prove he tioned. 2015-16 Padilla Poll Coaches They are there to watch you play,
belonged as the starter. Torres said he respected what his Class 6A All-State Team Flores said. When we were little,
I havent gotten that shot in the teammates had to say. 2015-16 District 29-6A Football we used to dream of playing out on
past year, but now that Ive had It makes me feel good because I All-District First Team that field and now the fact we are
these past years of experience to feel that I can lead this team, Tor- 2015-16 District 29-6A All-Dis- out there and everyone is watching
study guys like Steven I know that res said. trict All-Academic Team us is amazing.
Im ready. I learned a lot from him, The quiet leader of the Rams, Tor- 2015-16 Del Rio Rams Football Flores has been playing football
Torres said. res said he looks up to New Orleans Receiver of the Year for seven years. He began his foot-
Above all things, Torres is a true Saints quarterback Drew Brees be- 2015-16 District 29-6A Basket- ball career as a part of the Lions
athlete. He was the 2015 Del Rio cause hes one of the shorter quar- ball All-District First Team
Rams Track and Field co-Jumper terbacks in the NFL and is still con- 2015-16 Rams Basketball Offen-
of the Year and he was named to the sidered one of the best. sive Player of the Year See FLORES, Page 9
 2016 Football Preview Thursday, August 25, 2016 9

HOPKINS
From Page 6

my idol on and off the field, Hop-
kins said.
Hopkins also said that he knows
if something goes awry when he at-
tempts a kick, his teammates are
thing positive. I also know we have
a really decent offensive line,
Hopkins said.
Hopkins teammates also see
him as something the team can

ANTHONY HURLEY there to help him out.

I know I have Shane (Creamer)
and Gaston (Flores) out on those
rally around. Hes been described
as clutch, hilarious, reliable,
and a great friend.
ends, so if its a bad snap it can turn I just try to give my best effort
BY BRIAN ARGABRIGHT it into a pass and become some- in every kick I attempt, he said.
Kuechly.
brian.argabright@delrionewsherald.com I like to watch other great line-
backers and see how they play. I
Senior Anthony Hurley may not watch them, see what they do and
be a household name yet, but his
teammates believe he has what it
I teach myself those techniques. KEATON
The coaches also do a lot to teach From Page 7
takes to be the next great Del Rio me and make me a better player,
Rams linebacker. Hurley said.
Football has been a part of Hur- Though he hasnt earned a tro- ful to be surrounded by teammates about you it means I have friends
leys life for eight years. He started phy case full of accolades yet, Hur- like those. that have my back. Even when I
with the Lobos of the Del Rio Youth leys teammates see something It feels good to hear that be- mess up they will be there to pick
Football in him cause when people think positive me up, Keaton said.
and Cheer that they
League can rely
and con- on. They
t i n u e d
through
describe CREAMER
him as From Page 7
middle strong,
s c h o o l positive,
and high aggres- passed down to him by his father. Creamer has played football for
school. sive, de- My dad played tight end and seven years. He began as a mem-
T h e termined, wore number 87 in high school, ber of the Lions and Chiefs of the
17-year-old and reli- which is why I wear it. He also Del Rio Youth Football and Cheer
son of Paul able. watches film with and gives me League before joining the Rams
Hurley Hear- advice. He also introduced me to family as a seventh grader.
and Grisel- ing that another tight end that Ive studied - I love being with the people in
da Hurley, makes me Todd Christianson. He was a smash this program and I love playing the
the young- confident mouth tight end. He was a raw hit sport we all love, Creamer said.
er Hurley that when in you in the mouth kind of tight The other thing thats really great
p l a y e d I step on end, Creamer said. My job com- is that unlike the other teams we
behind all- that field, ing in this season was that I was play we are one town, one team.
district, they have told I would have to block, be a lead During the football season we are
and all- my back, blocker on most of our plays and the biggest show in town, Creamer
state, line- Hurley thats something I worked on. Ive said.
backers said. worked to be a smash mouth tight As for who he looks up to, Cream-
Marcus When it end and from what my teammates er said it was his parents and his
Braswell comes to say it sounds like I lived up to that. coaches.
and Cesar football,
Escajeda Hurley
his junior year. That duo helped said its not just the game he en-
show Hurley what he needed to
do to help contribute to the Rams
joys. I enjoy the atmosphere of the
fans and becoming a family with
FLORES
defense and become a leader in his my teammates, he said.
From Page 8
final year with the program. Hurleys size and speed will
Hurley admits that he also make him a force for the Rams de- of the Del Rio Youth Football and Hearing that reminds Flores
watches other linebackers to glean fense. Only a handful of players on Cheer League. He started his Rams how much of a family the Rams re-
what he can from their play and the team are taller than him, but career as a seventh grader. ally are.
incorporate it in his style. Some none of them man the middle of the There are a lot of words people First of all it makes me feel like
of those players he looks up to in- defense like Hurley. could use to describe Flores, but Im doing my job on the offensive
clude former Baltimore Raven As for who he looks up to the his teammates prefer terms like side of ball. Im doing stuff right,
linebacker and NFL Hall of Famer most, Hurley said its his parents unstoppable, go-to, ankle Flores said. To hear those words,
Ray Lewis and current Carolina because they taught me how to re- breaker, a flat-out athlete, and as my friends and my teammates
Panthers All-Pro linebacker Luke spect everyone. best friend. see me, Im just grateful.
10 Thursday, August 25, 2016 2016 Football Preview
2016 Football Preview Thursday, August 25, 2016 11
 12 Thursday, August 25, 2016 2016 Football Preview

Nothing but the best for the Rams

New helmets provide safety, psychological edge
BY JOSEPH TREVIO football lineup will be the hill of the Miami Dolphins. practice Monday at Walter According to the Ridell
joseph.trevino@ Ridell SpeedFlex Helmet, In Del Rio, the shiny Levermann Ram Stadium. website, the SpeedFlex
delrionewsherald.com considered one of the best blue helmet with a white These helmets are com- uses elements from its two
and safest in the world. facemask was endorsed by fortable. The fit is nice and seminal helmets, the Ridell

T
he Rams football team
has a mix of veterans
and new players this
year, a few new assistant
coaches and renewed goals.
Del Rios team will also
sport new helmets. Resting
on the heads of the towns
Introduced in 2014 after
years of research, design
and testing by Ridell, the
Speedflex was worn last sea-
son by pros like Peyton Man-
ning of the Denver Broncos,
Chicago Bears Quarterback
Jay Cutler and Ryan Tanne-
some of the top players of
the Rams. Joshua Garza, a
defensive lineman, said that
these new helmets are much
better than the ones they
were wearing last year.
The older helmets were
est by Ridell, one of the top
uncomfortable, and had
little padding; felt like if I
was wearing a rock press-
ing down on my head,
said Garza, after football
A helmet fit for champions. The Riddell SpeedFlex will grace and protect the
heads of the Del Rio Rams this season. The futuristic helmet designed for
maximum protection was selected by the teams coach.
snug. Its a pretty good hel-
met overall.
Safety design
The SpeedFlex is the lat-
football helmet brands. The
company is based in Rose-
mont, Ill., where it special-
izes in sports equipment for
football.
Courtesy photo, Riddell
Revolution and Ridell 360.
These include a patented
side impact protection and
and all-points quick release
face mask that goes to the
chin strap and to the inte-
rior padding.
Raymond Martinez, an of-
fensive guard for the Rams,
has nothing but praise for
the SpeedFlex. He raved
about it Monday after prac-
tice.
Amazing, he said, while
teammates drank water
from a sports water jug. It
provides us protection.
And protection is what
Rams head coach Frenchey
McCrea Jr. was looking for
when he sought to replace
the old helmets. Still, at first
there was some resistance
from some of the Rams who
were loyal to the old head-
gear.
They were like coach I
kinda like this helmet. No,
youre going to wear this
helmet. But once the team
got in them, they all bought
in, said McCrea Monday.
According to Ridell, the
SpeedFlex showcases The
Flex System, which pro-
vides flexibility into the hel-
mets shell, face and mask. It
also includes the engineer-
ing system into the hinge
clips to help reduce the im-
pact to the athlete.
McCrea is convinced that
the design of the SpeedFlex
helps to distribute the im-
pact against the head even-
ly. The idea is to prevent
concussions, he said.
After some Rams line-
backers tested them last
year, the coach was con-
vinced that the SpeedFlex

See HELMETS, Page 13

 2016 Football Preview Thursday, August 25, 2016 13

Staff photo by Joseph Trevio

The Rams, left, carry their new Riddell SpeedFlex helmets that they will be car-
rying into battle this season on Monday. Pictured, from left, are Dizan Rodri-
guez, C.J Benavidez, John Kneeskern, Raymond Martinez and Erick Battle. The
new Riddell helmets will soon be the standard for all Rams to wear as the pro-
gram continues to phase out its older stock of helmets like the Schutts pictured
above.

HELMETS
From Page 12

helmets were the best for

the team, he said. Each hel-
met cost about $350 to $375,
but they are effective, he
said.
I found out that this hel-
met was the number one
made to help prevent con-
cussions, McCrea said.
The good news is that
when it comes to the safety
of the kids we spare no ex-
pense.

Killer looks
The SpeedFlex may be one
of the best helmets in terms
of safety, McCrea said. But
then theres the looks.
The SpeedFlex seems to
have been made for a team
like Del Rio, McCrea said. In
fact, it was.
The helmets have a futur-
istic look (think Mad Max
meets Bladerunner).
Athletic, fast and debo-
nair, the Rams already look
good, observers said. But
with the helmets on, they
look like they mean busi-
ness.
To me its a psychologi-
cal thing, McCrea said.
You walk on the field and
you see a team walking with
the number one helmet test-
ed, it plays on your mind.
 16 Thursday, August 25, 2016
Meet the 2016-17 Rams varsity seniors
AARON FELIX - 2
POSITION: Wide receiver/running back
PARENTS: Maria Felix
ACCOLADES: 2015 District 29-6A All-
Academic team
Felix has been playing football for
seven years.
His favorite part about playing football
can be summed up in two words
scoring touchdowns!
As for who he looks up to, Felix an-
swered simply, my brother.
ESTEBAN ARIZPE - 17
POSITION: Wide receiver
PARENTS: Jesus and Gabriela Arizpe
ACCOLADES: 2015 District 29-6A All-
Academic team
Arizpe is entering his sixth year playing
football.
My dad has overcome so many ob-
stacles throughout his life and I hope
to have his character and patience
when I grow up, he said.
EMMITT MALDONADO - 3
POSITION: Cornerback
PARENTS: Isabel Maldonado
Maldonado has been playing football
for 10 years. The thing I enjoy most
about football is the bond I share with
my teammates, Maldonado said.
As for who he looks up to, Maldonado
keeps it in the family. I look up to my
two older brothers, Angel and An-
thony. They have both taught me to be
responsible and hard working, he said.
BRANDON HERNANDEZ - 23
POSITION: Wide receiver
PARENTS: Monica Partida and Luis
Hernandez
Hernandez has been playing football
for seven years.
The thing I enjoy most about football
is being with all my friends and just do-
ing what we love, Hernandez said.
As for who he looks up to, Hernandez
replied, mi padre (my father).
2016 Football Preview
ORLANDO VENEGAS - 15
POSITION: Cornerback
PARENTS: Orlando Venegas and Alma
Venegas
Venegas has been playing football
since he was in elementary. He lists
family, his teammates and having fun
as the things he enjoys most about
football.
I look up to my dad the most because
he motivated me to work hard and
never give up, he said.
ADRIAN TORRES - 28
POSITION: Cornerback
PARENTS: Sandra and Greg Velez
Torres has been playing football for
seven years.
I look up to my mom because shes
strong and hard working, Torres said.
CODY MARTINEZ - 16
POSITION: Wide receiver
PARENTS: Sanjuana Sandoval and
Greg Martinez
Martinez has been playing football for
four years.
Martinez is another Ram who finds
his hero in his own home. I look up to
my dad because he has taught me so
much, he said.
ALBERT VASQUEZ - 33
POSITION: Running back/wide receiver
PARENTS: Ruth Vasquez
ACCOLADES: 2015 District 29-6A All-
District Second Team
Vasquez has been playing football for
10 years.
Vasquez credits his mom with being
the person he looks up to most. Shes a
strong independent woman thats been
able to support me and stay by my side
through the roughest of times, he said.
 2016 Football Preview
Meet the 2016-17 Rams varsity seniors
DUILIO SILVA - 40
POSITION: Linebacker
PARENTS: Jose Flores and Lina Flores
Silva has been playing football for six
years.
He said he enjoys spending time with
his teammates and credits his stepfa-
ther as the person he most looks up to.
He knows a lot of things, Silva said.
RONALDO FLORES - 49
POSITION: Linebacker
PARENTS: Delia Chapa
Flores has been playing football for six
years. He enjoys playing the sport with
his friends and said his mom is the per-
son he most looks up to because, she
never gives up on anything.
DANIEL MATA - 43
POSITION: Linebacker
PARENTS: Isidoro Mata and Rita Mata
ACCOLADES: 2015 District 29-6A All-
Academic team
Mata has been playing football for
seven years.
Mata said his father is the person he
most looks up to. He has taught me most because of her being able to go
that no matter how tough life may
get, you have to learn to overcome all
adversity, he said.
ABEL HERNANDEZ - 51
POSITION: Left tackle
PARENTS: Yanira Hernandez
ACCOLADES: 2015 District 29-6A All-
District First Team; 2015 Del Rio Rams
Football Offensive Lineman of the Year
Hernandez has played six years of
football.
Hernandez also said his mom is his
biggest hero. She overcomes every
obstacle, no matter what, he said.
JORGE GARCIA - 44
POSITION: Linebacker
PARENTS: Adriana del Puerto
Garcia has played football for the past
seven years. I love the family environ-
ment and being able to share my love
for football, he said.
My mom is the person I look up to
through everything she goes through
and still be there for us, he said.
JOSHUA GARZA - 54
POSITION: Defensive line
PARENTS: Homero and Monica Garza
Garza is entering his fifth year of
football.
Garza said his family are his biggest
supporters and for that reason he
looks up to them.
I look up to my parents because as
long as Im active in what I do I know
theyll be proud of me, he said.
Thursday, August 25, 2016 17
DAVID RITCHIE - 45
POSITION: Linebacker
PARENTS: David Ritchie and Alejandra
Ritchie
Ritchie has been playing football for 10
years.
What I enjoy most about football is hit-
ting people and the crowd that comes
to watch, Ritchie said.
His father, David, played during the
1990s and his brother, Wesley, was a
wide receiver from 2010-12. He said
they are the people he looks up to most.
ERICK MORENO - 56
POSITION: Defensive tackle
PARENTS: Adrian Moreno and Luz
Moreno
Moreno, 17, has been playing in the Rams
football program for four years and said
the thing he enjoys most about football
is being with his teammates, playing the
game and hitting other people.
The people he looks up to most are his
parents.
 18 Thursday, August 25, 2016
Meet the 2016-17 Rams varsity seniors
MARIO SAN MIGUEL - 58
POSITION: Defensive end/linebacker
PARENTS: Maria Luna and Felix San
Miguel
San Miguel has been a part of the Rams
football family for four years. He said the
thing he enjoys most about football is
that its always changing and he enjoys
competing against new teams.
The people I look up to most are my
father and my coach. They are great role
models, San Miguel said.
RAYMOND MARTINEZ - 71
POSITION: Left guard
PARENTS: Jorge Martinez
Martinez has been playing football for
five years. He said enjoys the contact
and the brotherhood that comes with
playing the sport.
My dad is the person I look up to
because he drives me to do my best,
Martinez said.
ARTURO SILVA - 60
POSITION: Defensive tackle
PARENTS: Arturo Silva and Blanca
Silva
Silva who has been a part of the Rams
football family for five years, said the
thing he enjoys most about the game
is the team environment and the les-
sons that are learned.
The person I look up to most is my
mom because shes always there for
me, he said.
JOHN KNEESKERN - 72
POSITION: Offensive line
PARENTS: Paul and Gloria Kneeskern
Kneeskern has been playing football
for 11 years.
Kneeskern said he looks to his parents
as his role models. They raised me to
be the person I am today, Kneeskern
said.
2016 Football Preview
C.J. BENAVIDEZ - 68
POSITION: Offensive line
PARENTS: Patty Benavidez and Joe
Benavidez
Benavidez has played football for five
years, ever since middle school. He
said the thing he enjoys most about it
is the contact.
The people he looks up to most are his
parents.
MILLS CAUTHORN - 80
POSITION: Wide receiver
PARENTS: Sid and Kim Cauthorn
ACCOLADES: 2015 District 29-6A All-
Academic team
Cauthorn has been playing football for
six years.
I look up to God because he has a plan
that is greater than any one person
and because he is always there in
times of need, Cauthorn said.
JAVIER GONZALEZ - 70
POSITION: Center
PARENTS: Jacqueline Hernandez;
grandpa Richard Hernandez
ACCOLADES: 2015 Del Rio Rams Track
and Field Thrower of the Year
Gonzalez has played football for six
years.
Gonzalez said he looks up to his
grandfather the most. My grandpa
has been there for me ever since I was
born, he said.
JUSTIN PONCE - 86
POSITION: Tight end
PARENTS: Jovanna and David Ponce
Ponce has been a part of the Rams
football program for four years. The
things he enjoys most about football is
game day and contact.
He said the person he looks up to the
most is his mother.
 2016 Football Preview
McCrea has high hopes for this season
BY BRIAN ARGABRIGHT
brian.argabright@
delrionewsherald.com
D
el Rio Rams head foot-
ball coach Frenchey
McCrea Jr. knows
football.
Hes been around the sport
since he was a child. He played
for the Rams in high school,
played the sport in college,
and had a chance to chase the
NFL dream before he decided
to direct his energy towards
spreading his love of the game
through coaching.
Entering his fourth year as
the leader of the Del Rio Rams
football program, theres not
much that rattles McCrea.
But talk to him long enough
and youll discover that hes
more than just another football
coach. Hes a man doing his
best to foster a group of young
men and turn them into suc-
Thursday, August 25, 2016 19
cess stories.
Dave Campbells Texas
Football Magazine is like the
bible for football fans across
the state. The magazines staff
breaks down every district at
every level and each year re-
leases its predictions as to how
each team will do.
This year, the Del Rio Rams,
the defending co-champions
of District 29-6A, are picked to
finish third behind fellow co-
champions Laredo United and
the surprising Laredo United
South.
When asked how he felt
about the slight, McCrea
grinned and said, Good.
I dont like being picked to
finish first, McCrea said, ex-
plaining that if the Rams are
picked to finish third or fourth
then other teams will believe
the team isnt as good as Mc- Staff photo by Brian Argabright, file
Del Rio Rams head football coach Frenchey McCrea Jr. speaks to his varsity and junior varsity players during the
See HOPES, Page 24 first day of practice Aug. 1 at Walter Levermann Ram Stadium.
20 Thursday, August 25, 2016 2016 Football Preview
2016 Football Preview Thursday, August 25, 2016 21
22 Thursday, August 25, 2016 2016 Football Preview

MEET THE 2016-17 RAMS VARSITY JUNIORS

5
Azell Dimery - RB
7
Austin Davis - QB
10
Edwin Quiones - DE
12
Manny Arguijo - LB

13
Ronald Bailey - CB
14
Corey Pottard - CB
18
Larry Galindo - QB
19
Brian Beto - DB

21
Alexander Garza - DB
22
Eduardo Garcia - RB
24
Thomas Placido - S
25
Luis Frausto - TE
2016 Football Preview Thursday, August 25, 2016 23

MEET THE 2016-17 RAMS VARSITY JUNIORS

31
Eric Garcia - CB
34
Ruben Berain - RB
35
Scott Meadows - WR
50
Denny Zamarippa - LB

52
Jesus Gonzalez - DE
53
Jose Rodriguez - G
55
David Garza - C/TE
64
Dizan Rodriguez - G

69
Jesse Barragan - G
74
Erick Battle - T
75
Abee Hinojosa - DT
84
Brian Garza - WR
24 Thursday, August 25, 2016 2016 Football Preview

HOPES
From Page 19
MEET THE Crea knows it is. By the

2016-17 time they realize they were

wrong, its already too late.
Despite having reached

RAMS the third round of the play-

94 99
offs last year, and giving the
then-top ranked team in the
VARSITY state in Cibolo Steele all
they could handle, McCrea

JUNIORS
said this years team has the
Jose Mendoza - DT Joseph Rodriguez - DT potential to do something
great.
He points to a change in
the backfield as an example.
Last season, the Rams
used Albert Vasquez as
their primary runner out
of the backfield. This year,
Vasquez will split time with
fellow senior Aaron Felix
and junior Azell Dimery.
Vasquez and Felix are pos-
sibly the two fastest play-
ers on the team, depending
which Rams you ask, but
McCrea said theres a meth-
od to the madness.
Weve got one bruising
back and two speedy backs
that we can choose from.
We want to utilize our per-
sonnel in the best way pos-
sible to win. Its that simple,
McCrea said.
In four years as head
coach McCrea has made im-
pressive strides. After miss-
ing the playoffs his first year,
the team rallied to not only
make the playoffs his sec-
ond year, but then reached
the Area round by defeating
a heavily favored McAllen
Memorial team.
Last year, Del Rio entered
the playoffs without a fully
healthy starting quarterback
in Steven Salinas and still
reached the regional semi-
finals.
What will the Rams do
this year? If the pattern
holds, then Del Rio could be
playing for a shot at the state
semifinals come November.
But first comes San An-
tonio Warren on Friday and
then nine more games after
that.
2016 Football Preview Thursday, August 25, 2016 25

2016-17 Rams JV Football

2016-17 Rams Freshmen Football

 26 Thursday, August 25, 2016
DISTRICT
From Page 4
son, the Dragons did reach
the playoffs before bowing
out in the first round in a
slugfest with OConnor.
While the offense will
struggle with so many new
faces on that side of the ball,
the defense will keep the
Dragons in many a game
thanks to unanimous all-dis-
trict first team defensive end
Robert Fuentes, first team
linebacker John Garcia
and second team linebacker
Jose Bautista, and first team
safety Florentino Warfield
and second team safety John
Blaz.
WEEK 5 SEPT. 23
VS. LAREDO AL-
EXANDER
BULL-
DOGS
The Bulldogs are project-
ed to finish this season in
fourth place in District 29-
6A.
Alexander had an off year
last season, stumbling to a
5-7 mark and an exit in the
Bi-District round of the play-
offs. Del Rio defeated Alex-
ander last season, 24-21, on
a 41-yard field goal by Tyler
Hopkins in overtime.
Much of the Bulldogs
struggles were due to a new
quarterback who was still
learning the system, but ju-
nior Ezekiel Cross finished
the season with more than
3,000 yards passing and 29
TDs and is back to take the
Bulldogs to new heights.
Joining him is a trio of sol-
id receivers including Beto
2016 Football Preview
Galvan, Dante Swain and
Peter Brewster.
Defensively the Bulldogs
will rely on unanimous first
team defensive tackle Omar
Galan (62 tackles, 2 sacks),
first team safety Austin Al-
len (112 tackles, 4 INTs) and
second team linebacker, but
all-state honorable mention,
Mauricio Vasquez (119 tack-
les, 3 sacks).
WEEK 6 BYE WEEK
WEEK 7 OCT. 8
AT LAREDO LBJ
WOLVES
The Wolves
are project-
ed to finish
sixth in Dis-
trict 29-6A.
Before district play began
last season, the Wolves were
the darlings of Laredo. They
were unbeaten and talks of a
second consecutive district
championship echoed in the
halls of Johnson High.
But then Alexander hand-
ed the Wolves a 41-6 thrash-
ing, the first of three district
losses, and LBJ was left on
the outside of the playoff pic-
ture looking in despite hold-
ing a 7-3 overall record.
Del Rio outlasted the
Wolves, 17-14, last year in a
come from behind victory.
Gone is bruising run-
ning back Juan Cisneros,
but second team all-district
fullback Dominic Rodriguez
returns to try and pick up
some of the slack.
LBJ does carry most of its
experience on its defense,
a hallmark of the scrappy
Wolves. Returning defen-
sive tackle Julian Gonza-
lez was a second team all-
district selection and hell
be joined by fellow end En-
rique Ramirez.
WEEK 8 OCT. 14
SAN ANTONIO SOUTH
SAN
BOBCATS
The Bob-
cats are
picked to finish eighth in
District 29-6A.
South San joins 29-6A
after spending the previ-
ous few seasons in 28-6A
along with fellow newcomer
Southwest. South San was
1-9 last season.
See FOOTBALL, Page 27
 2016 Football Preview Thursday, August 25, 2016 27

FOOTBALL
From Page 26

The Bobcats arent ex- pionship with Del Rio af-

pected to do much, but there ter the Longhorns were
AT EAGLE PASS Staff photo by
Brian Argabright, file

is talent on this South San
team. Senior wide receiver
Darius Prescott was a first
team all-district selection
and junior running back
James Valencia was a sec-
ond team choice on offense
and on defense at safety.
WEEK 9 OCT. 20
AT LAREDO UNITED
SOUTH
PAN-
THERS
The Panthers are picked
to finish second in District
29-6A.
South was 6-5 last season
and lost in the Bi-District
round of the playoffs. Del
Rio defeated the Panthers in
a weather-delayed contest
last season, 23-20.
The Panthers are the sexy
pick in 29-6A this season.
They return the districts
co-Offensive MVP in run-
ning back Jesus Posada and
a staunch defense led by
linebacker Allan Martinez,
last years newcomer of the
year. However, the Panthers
will sport a relatively new
quarterback and just one
starter from last years of-
fensive line.
upset by LBJ in their sec-
ond to last regular season
game. United defeated Del
Rio last season, 49-28. The
Longhorns finished the
season 10-3 and were re-
gional semifinalists.
The good news for Rams
fans is that Uniteds all-
world quarterback Ignazio
Tellez is gone as is shifty
running back Alexis Vil-
lanueva and sure-handed
wide receiver Derek Luna.
The bad news is that the
Longhorns return unani-
mous first team all-district
wide receiver Alex San-
chez II, first team center
Denilson Hinojosa and
second team wide receiv-
ers Danny Ruiz and Chris
Salinas.
And those weapons are
just on offense. The defense
is fortified with a host of
seniors including corner-
back J.J. Salas (90 tackles,
3 INTs) and safety Michael
Castillo (75 tackles, 2 INTs).
If the season plays out as
many predict, this game
could decide this years
district champion.
WEEK 11
NOV. 4
EAGLES All-District First
Team guard Abel
Hernandez (51) re-
The Eagles are picked to turns to help lead
finish seventh in District the Rams.
29-6A.
Eagle Pass was 1-9 last
season and finished dis-
trict play with zero wins
and five losses. It was a sea-
son to forget for the Eagles
faithful. Del Rio put the
Eagles out of their misery
last year with a 24-8 win
that also helped the Rams
clinch a piece of the district
title.
Eagle Pass does have ex-
perience on its side, espe-
cially on offense. All-dis-
trict second teamers Ricky
Medina, quarterback, and
Mark Venegas, running
back, could definitely pro-
vide a spark for the Eagles.
Add to that wide receiver
Jose Riojas, also a second
team all-district returner,
and the Eagles could be
ready to fly on offense.
Defensively, its up to
all-district linebacker Da-
vid Ramos, defensive end
Angel Miranda and defen-
sive back Kevin Garcia to
keep Eagle Pass foes from
grounding the offense early
on.

WEEK 10 OCT. 28
VS. LAREDO
UNITED
LONG-
HORNS
The Longhorns are
picked to finish first in Dis-
trict 29-6A.
Ask any Rams player
who is familiar with the
Laredo district and theyll
tell you the same thing
the district championship
always goes through Lar-
edo United.
The Longhorns shared
last years district cham-
GO RAMS GO!

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