August 31, 2022 528 PM
MARFA — With a new school year underway, a new Marfa ISD season of sports has officially kicked off. Athletic Director Linda Ojeda has provided recaps of the football and volleyball games that have already taken place, and provides a preview of what’s to come.
FOOTBALL
Football kicked off the 2022 season at the Six-Man Shootout Friday, August 26, 2022, against Grandfalls at Sul Ross State University’s Jackson Field. The Shorthorns came out strong out of the gate with an initial scoring drive led by Derrick Campos, who ran behind primary blocker Nathan Pena and secondary blocker Dustin Martinez to find the end-zone. Diego Estrada converted the 15-yard PAT to give the Horns the 8-6 lead, but quickly saw the Cowboys take the lead back with a drive of their own in the ensuing play.
Freshman quarterback Alejandro Rodriguez took the opening snap of the second quarter, and faked a run to the north end of the field, and pulled back after drawing defenders and threw a 16-yard touchdown strike to Francisco Rosas to make the score 16-20 after Estrada hit another PAT and ended the first half with a 4-point deficit.
Unfortunately for the Horns, Marfa’s youth started showing in the second half with several miscues by special teams and several offensive and defensive mismatches. Marfa’s defensive leaders in tackles were Nathan Pena, Jaden Nunez and Derrick Campos, and Marco Ruiz was the team leader in reception yards.
The Horns dropped the season opener 16-58, but now look ahead to Friday night’s home opener at Martin Field with kick-off slated for 7:30 p.m. against the Sanderson Eagles.
VOLLEYBALL
The Marfa volleyball team continues to work their way through tournament competition and non-conference games after completing one month of strong play.
After hosting the 2nd Annual Coach Pancho Martinez Memorial Scrimmages, the team hit the ground running with three consecutive tournaments and numerous games in between. Marfa competed in the Wink, Van Horn and Bronte Tournament where they placed third in the pool of 16 teams. The squad’s success has relied on its senior heavy roster that includes leading hitters and blockers Ummi Chanez, Alexis Gonzales and Lesly Torres.
New to the roster this year are freshman outside hitter Raven Martinez and freshman Ava Flores, setter, who are quickly solidifying themselves into the offensive rotation and contributing to the team’s success. Martinez was the team leader in kills against Rankin recently, while senior Emily Hernandez led with assists. Marfa traveled to Van Horn for a dual match Tuesday night, but fell to the home team and defeated McCamey in three sets.
UPCOMING GAMES
- Lady Horns Volleyball hosts Presidio on Friday afternoon at the Shorthorn Gym with a 4 p.m. JV time and varsity at 5 p.m. On Tuesday, September 6, 2022, Marfa will host Kermit and Marathon (4:30 JV vs Kermit / 5:30 Varsity / 6:30 vs Marathon).
- Football teams will compete Friday night for their home opener at Martin Field with kick-off slated for 7:30 p.m. against the Sanderson Eagles
- Marfa’s junior volleyball squad heads to Presidio Thursday afternoon for a 4:30 and 5:30 matchup against the Lady Blue Devils under the guidance of Coach Melissa Firmin and Coach Laken Tucker.
- Junior Horns football, under the guidance of Arron Luna, travel to Fort Hancock next Friday for their season opener.
- Marfa’s cross-country varsity girls team travels to Crane Friday, September 3, with an 8:30 a.m. start.
