Rattler Football Recap

by:Tyler Williamson
Sports Reporter

It was not what San Marcos fans had in mind at the end of the game, but the Rattlers pulled out their season opening game with a 45-44 win over the East Central Hornets at Rattler Stadium Friday night.

The Rattlers took a 38-21 lead into the third quarter and it looked to be smooth sailing for the rest of the game, but the Hornets made a run heading to the fourth quarter to tie it up at 38-38.

With 2:25 left in the game, senior quarterback David Hamilton broke a big 56 yard run to the Hornet 12 yard line, setting up a 12 yard touchdown run by running- back Cavion Garner, at a 45-38 lead with a 1:32 left.

The Hornets had plenty of time left.

East Central’s quarterback Justin Upshaw-Mendoza hit a 38 yard touchdown pass to Kahjah Matthews. The questionable catch drew the ire of the Rattler fan base but was eventually ruled a touchdown to make it 45-44 San Marcos with 14 seconds left in the game.

Instead of bringing out the kicking team for the extra point try, the Hornets quickly lined up in a goal line set and would attempt a two-point conversion to win the game.

The Rattler defense would answer the call.

East Central running back Cody Nuckols would be stuffed at the 1 yard line by a swarm of San Marcos defenders. Victory formation would be the last thing the Rattlers needed before walking off with a 45-44 win to open the season.

The Rattlers dynamic duo of quarterback David Hamilton and running back Cavion Garner had most of the Rattlers offensive, production with 220 yards rushing and three total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 passing) for Hamilton. Gardner landed at 134 yards rushing and two total touchdowns for (1 rushing, 1 receiving).

The Rattler defense came in the clutch getting two key interceptions by safety Austin Castillo and of course the huge stop on the Hornet two-point conversion late in the game.

The Rattler special also came up big with a 90 yard kickoff return for a touchdown by sophomore safety Prudencio Calderon..

The Rattlers take their 1-0 record on the road this Friday as they take on Victoria East High School in Victoria at 7:30 p.m. The game can be heard on 89.9 KTSW-FM, or streamed online at ktsw.net.