Denton Ryan survives Mansfield Timberview’s stout defensive showing
Timberview entered a non-district matchup against 2024 Class 5A Division I state semifinalist Denton Ryan looking to prove it could compete with a championship contender.
The temperature on the field was scorching, yet Ryan started off cold. Eventually, the Raiders found some momentum and moved on to secure an 20-12 victory over the Wolves.
Timberview head coach Jacody Coleman, in his first year as the Wolves’ coach, said his defense had a strong performance. Despite the loss, he said the program showcased its ready to play against contenders.
“Proud of the kids and how they played, but we got plenty to clean up,” Coleman said. “And it’s only the beginning. It’s early in the season, and it all counts now. … Nobody is feeling sorry for the wolves. We’ve got plenty to build on, and we've got plenty to work at to get better.”
Timberview, after holding a 12-6 halftime advantage, was held scoreless in the second half.
“We had them on the ropes, and we let them off the hook,” Coleman said. “And coach (Dave) Henigan got a great ball club. They do a good job coaching with all their programs over there, even sub-varsity. … I’m trying to build that throughout my program.”
Timberview had a chance to cut the lead with 7:34 remaining in the ballgame. Facing fourth down and three yards from the end zone, quarterback Mylez Davis threw a high jump pass, and Preston Stone leaped for the catch. Officials ruled Stone was out of bounds, and Timberview never recovered.
“It was a bad break,” Coleman said. “But that’s football.”
Denton Ryan overcomes slow start
The Ryan Raiders looked out of sorts, especially in the first quarter, with multiple penalties for illegal formations.
After a Ryan field goal, the Wolves notched the game’s first touchdown at the 9:40 mark in the second quarter with a six-yard pass from Davis to wide receiver Kobe Golden. The PAT was no good, and the Raiders then tied the game with Haylen Keese's second field goal, a 44-yarder.
The next score came off a Denton Ryan punt that was muffed by Timberview’s Davin Hill, a UTSA pledge, with 3:25 left in the second quarter. Hill stayed calm, recovering from the blunder and finding an open lane for an 80-yard touchdown. Once again, the PAT was missed and Timberview took a 12-6 lead into the break.
“Davin (Hill) is one of the most explosive kids in our district,” Coleman said. “Probably in the state. Players make plays at the end of the day. ... Good job by the guys on that side blocking for him and not peeling back.”
In the first half, Ryan’s John Catlin had two blocked PATs, and the Wolves also missed a field goal, but it was the defense that impressed, limiting Ryan to 155 yards and zero touchdowns.
Catlin continued his strong performance into the third quarter with a quick interception, yet Timberview continued to keep the Raiders from the end zone. The Raiders finally found paydirt late in the third quarter with a seven-yard rush from Rontavian Brown to take a 13-12 lead.
With a newfound momentum, Catlin took matters into his own hands, bringing a recovered fumble to Timberview’s 13-yard line; the Raiders couldn’t capitalize, settling for a 25-yard field goal attempt that went off the right upright.
The defense had the offense’s back. Ryan’s Uzziah Warmate, a three-star with a Houston offer, forced a fumble, and Errol West recovered and returned for a TD to extend Ryan’s lead to 20-12 with 11:07 remaining. It was the final score of the game.
“There are things to clean up,” Coleman said. “Every week. It’s early in the season. But I like my ballclub.”
This story was originally published September 4, 2025 at 10:07 PM.
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