Scrimmage sets direction for Ram season

MINERAL WELLS — Football action was back at Ram Stadium for the first varsity scrimmage of the year, Aug. 12.
The Rams faced the Bridgeport Bulls, a district opponent producing some great battles with playoff potential over the past two years.
The scrimmage started slow for the Rams, with the Bulls striking quick on a Ram defense allowing almost three touchdowns more than the Rams averaged last year. A very impressive improvement as they hope to keep building on that side of the ball.
A couple of long runs from the Bulls and the Rams would find themselves down early, waiting to see what the offensive attack could put together. Through the first few series, penalties would be a problem for the Rams upfront. Three false starts and a holding call put them in an early hole.
A 15-yard rush scramble from senior quarterback Mason Facteau rid them of these penalty woes and got them a fresh set of downs. Junior tailback Jose Garcia finished the drive with a touchdown. The following possession was a long, methodical, 12-play drive capped off with a score by senior fullback Fabian Martinez.
During the scrimmage’s live quarter, the Rams wasted no time getting their patented rushing attack, going with a monster run by Garcia who finished the night with 203 rushing yards and three scores. The defensive unit for the Rams was able to string together multiple stops on the Bulls starting offense, and another big touchdown run by Garcia put the Rams up 13-0 halfway through the live session.
“The defense did a great job knowing the situations and getting off the field on third down,” Defensive Coordinator Clint Clayton said. “Blake Blue’s leadership is a highlight of this year’s defensive unit and will be a big part
Rams opener against the Lions kicks off at 7:30 p.m., at Ram Stadium, Aug. 26.
“Getting the ball to our playmakers in different ways, on the perimeter, and through the air will be vital for a balanced attack and a successful season.” – Rams Head Coach Seth Hobbs
The 2022 Mineral Wells Rams varsity football team. Photo courtesy Mineral Wells High School
Brandon Gray shows off the defensive skills by taking down the opponent. Haeven Hill photo of our success this year.”
The varsity newcomers for the Rams had no issue putting on their own show throughout the scrimmage. Sophomore Preston Mendez also had a trifecta of scores of his own for a total of 117 yards. Sophomore Owen Gadd connected on a deep ball to sophomore Kadin Villa on the designed play action for 32 yards.
“Our offensive line was the key spot I saw the most improvement from last year,”said Offensive Coordinator Landry Gunter. “We expected this since all of those guys are returning players from last year. When you get a year older and a year stronger, you normally get a lot better at pushing folks around and they did just that tonight.”
Other offensive standouts include Kaden Montalvo and the entire offensive line. Defensive standouts are senior linebacker Blake Blue, junior defensive end Braden Ethridge, and senior cornerback DJ Simpson who finished his night with two pass break ups.
The total stats for the scrimmage ended with the Rams winning 51-31 while totaling 593 rushing yards, something fans love to see from a team with a clear agenda to punish opponents with their ground attack.
“We did run the ball well at times tonight” said Head Coach Seth Hobbs. “But we’ve got to improve our ability to throw it as well. Good teams will make it difficult for us to be one dimensional. Getting the ball to our playmakers in different ways, on the perimeter, and through the air will be vital for a balanced attack and a successful season.”