Del Rio Football Appears in Emotional Season Opener at Kerrville Tivy Commemorating Response to July’s Disastrous Flood
Updated: Aug 31, 2025
On Friday, Del Rio Rams Varsity football travelled to Kerrville, near the epicenter of devastating flooding in July that claimed at least 138 lives, including 27 young girls at summer camp Camp Mystic. The Rams were to take on Kerrville Tivy’s Antlers as both teams’ first game of the 2025-2026 season
In a ceremonious display of gratitude and community before the start of the game, first responders from Kerr County and various Texas agencies, including Kerr County Sheriff’s Office and Texas DPS, were honored and welcomed onto the field as honorary captains, standing beside Del Rio Rams’ and Kerrville Antlers’ captains. Commemorative jerseys that replaced player names with “FIRST RESPONDERS” and “Kerrville ISD Strong” on the sleeve were worn during the game by both teams.
Video coverage of the opening ceremony by KABB San Antonio can be watched here.
Next, in an especially innocently provocative moment, Camp Mystic survivor Skyler Derrington sang over the stadium’s loud system her re-written version of “Hallelujah”. Her lyrics invoke a heart-wrenching account of the flood’s events from the point of view of a young survivor.
“Well I heard there was a giant flood
But we were washed in Jesus’ blood
But you don’t really care for my news, do ya?”
her first verse rang out.
“On July the 4th, 2025th,
The water rose and we went adrift,
The baffled King composing Hallelujah”
her second verse continued.
“You say the water overcame
But I will never forget their names
No blame, no fault, so really what’s it to ya?
“We cried, we prayed, we did our share
You fed us, clothed us, brushed our hair
And from our lips we drew the ‘Hallelujah’.
Hallelujah,” Skyler sang, “Hallelujah .”
Skyler’s performance is a compelling watch, and can be seen by visiting this link (same as above); skip to the 9:00 minute mark.
A tribute to the power of community response and first responders alike, the opening ceremony concluded with two flyovers after the National Anthem. First by the Texas Army National Guard with two BlackHawks and two Chinooks, then seconds later by Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Parks and Wildlife.
The game announcer shared this context with the stadium before the flyovers:
“On the morning of July 4th, 2025, the Texas Army National Guard answered the urgent call for help as flood waters overwhelmed Kerr County. Five UH-60 BlackHawks outfitted with rescue hoists and carrying Texas Task Force One rescue swimmers launched into action, saving more than 525 people. In the days that followed, eight UH-60 BlackHawks and two UH-60 Chinooks surged into the fight, conducting search and rescue missions and conducting humanitarian operations. Amid the crisis, the crews were deeply moved by Kerr County families who opened their homes, shared vehicles, and cooked meals, reminding them that the missions were not only about the rescues but standing with the people of Texas in a time of need. With us tonight flying overhead after the National Anthem, are the Chinook and Blackhawk crews from the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade here to show their support for Kerr County.”
Following the opening ceremony, the Rams would hold their own throughout most of the game. Though, Kerrville would claim victory in the end 41-20. Thundering cheers and applause would congratulate the Tivy team.
Nonetheless, Del Rio partook in powerful moments with Kerrville’s community as the return of their Friday night lights also made a meaningful proclamation. They stated loudly, and beautifully, that unthinkable loss can bring a people together as much as a win.
From Del Rio, may God bless the players and people of Kerr County with healing.
.png)
Comments