Marching season has just begun, and the Warhorse Band is already making headlines. Hi DHS, I’m Valentinna Hernandez

The Devine High School Warhorse Band started its season with a sweep this past Saturday in Carrizo Springs. The band earned first place across the board, bringing home awards for Outstanding Marching, Outstanding Color Guard, Outstanding Winds, and Outstanding Drumline.

In an impressive finish, Devine outscored Pearsall by 20 points, and three out of four judges ranked the Warhorses at a 4A level — higher than several 5A and 6A competitors.

This victory marks the first competition of the season, setting the tone for a strong year ahead. The Warhorse Band will return to competition this Saturday, aiming to keep the momentum going.

With a start this strong, the Warhorse Band is proving that Devine spirit plays louder than ever.

For DHS News, I’m Valentianna, and I’m Maya.

Juliana Castro, junior, Drum Major:
The contest last Saturday was good. We went up against some tough schools that also played really well, but we kept it together. I think we did a great job, and we still have a lot to improve on. This week we’re learning new things, and I’m excited to see how we do this weekend.

Tai Moss, sophomore:
I think we did well at the competition. I think we can do even better this week.

Q: How do you feel about the 6A ranking?
Payton Hester, sophomore:
It feels like a very prestigious moment, especially for a school like us. I still think we can grow and learn. I feel like our director is going to push us hardcore since he now knows our limits and how far we can go, especially because we beat the 6A schools. 

Moss:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            So he wants us to win.

Bella Sanchez, sophomore:
I think we did really well. Honestly, we came off the field thinking we didn’t do great, but when we saw Mr. Sanchez’s face, we realized it went well. 

Jovianne Gomez, sophomore:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               I was surprised by how good it turned out because of the tear in the middle. It was scary—I thought we were going to do badly.                                                                                                                                                      

Q: How do you feel about winning over the 6A schools?
B. Sanchez:
Shocked. Really shocked. 

Gomez                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I did not think we did that well.  

Veralee Martinez, sophomore:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Yeah, it’s crazy beating 6A schools.

Q: How do you feel about this week?
Gomez:
It’s definitely going to be a challenge. Other schools know we got first place, so like our band director said, there’s a big target on our backs. I think it’ll push us harder.

Cody Castleberry, sophomore:
I feel good. We had a good show, and we worked well together.

Leylany Granados, sophomore:
I think we did better than we expected. 

Ryan Botello, sophomore:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I didn’t expect us to win at all, let alone sweep everything.

Q: Did you expect to win even over the 6A schools?
Castleberry:
No. I didn’t even realize we were competing against 6A schools.

Botello:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      And get everything.

Q: Maverick, how do you feel about winning last Saturday’s competition?
Maverick Beaty, senior:
It feels pretty good. The band has been putting in a lot of work, and they deserve this win. This is the second time in Devine history that we’ve beaten Pearsall, which is Mr. Sanchez’s former school. I also believe this is the first time in history we’ve been ranked above 5A and 6A schools. Reaching that milestone during my senior year is special.

Q: Do you think the band will advance past area this year?
Beaty:
I’m not sure because it can get really competitive, but with the show we have this year, I think we have a much better chance than before.

Nora Palmer, sophomore:
I was really surprised. At first, I thought they were joking when they said we got first. I know the next competition will be harder, but I’ll be happy if we’re in the top five.

Tracy Alaniz, junior:
I feel good about it. I think we’ll continue working hard and grow a lot over the next few weeks. I’m excited for this week’s contest.

Q: How do you feel about winning over the 6A schools?
Alaniz:
I was very shocked. I didn’t have words—it was really surprising.

Allison Canada, junior:
I thought the contest felt more like a participation event. We’ve won it before, so it wasn’t as competitive as some will be later. But winning over 6A schools gave me a lot of confidence. We’ve never done that before, and it feels like a big achievement.

Trinity Moore, freshman:
I think we did awesome. I’m proud we beat Pearsall because they’re one of our biggest competitors.

Madison Fritz, freshman:
Beating 6A schools feels amazing. Compared to our small school, it’s like a 100-to-5 ratio, so it’s a huge accomplishment.

Weston Leal, sophomore:
Our band has come a long way. We’ve been working really hard after school and even at home.

Q: Esai, what did you think of the win?
Esai Sanchez, junior:
We won all four captions and first place overall. I knew we were one of the best there, but I didn’t expect us to win everything.

Q: How did everyone react?
E. Sanchez:
There was a lot of screaming and yelling. Adrian started chanting “Devine.” It was a crazy, fun experience.

Madison Tupper, freshman:
I felt really good about it. I’m glad we won.

Q: How do you feel about beating Pearsall for the second time?
Julian Guillen, freshman:
I’m very happy we beat them. That’s what Mr. Sanchez wanted, and we locked in and did it.

With a start this strong, the Warhorse Band is proving that Devine spirit plays louder than ever.

For DHS News, I’m Valentina.
And I’m Maya.