San Marcos High School Football Ends Summer Training with Senior-Led Workouts

By Kyle Spencer
Sports Director

From Aug. 1 to Aug. 4, the seniors for San Marcos High School were given the coaching reigns.

Underclassmen were invited to attend these senior-led workouts from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Rattler practice facility. The future Rattlers were split into groups by position and assigned a senior to lead them through various position-specific drills.

Returning senior Cavion Garner led the running backs, Colby Vidrine took control of the linebackers and a host of returning seniors handled the remaining positions.

The University Interscholastic League does not allow coaches to give instruction during the summer. So, while most of them were in attendance, the coaches mainly just waded in the end zone, acting as more of a group of supervisors so no one got hurt.

After about 30 minutes of individual position work, it was time for seven on seven. No one is in pads yet so play stopped when the ball carrier was touched by a defender. The first team up consisted of returning players and a few underclassmen to show the younger players the ropes.

After about five seven plays, the teams swapped out with the underclassmen and so on and so forth for about 15 minutes. The teams then added in an offensive and defensive line, making it into a full scrimmage.

Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach Gilbert Rodriguez was one of the coaches attending the workouts. Rodriguez explained that these senior-led workouts are important for the underclassmen so that they get an edge before actual practice starts next week. On the other side, for the seniors, Coach Rodriguez said, “Well the number one thing for seniors is experience, so we are looking for that leadership to take over and bring those younger kids to where they are at.”

Returning senior Colby Vidrine, the linebacker coach, was vocal with his group, telling the young players that it is always good to start early with workouts and that they should not be scared in the following weeks during practice.

Vidrine recorded 72 total tackles last season, six sacks and two forced fumbles. Even though the return player was spreading his knowledge in this camp, he has spent most of this summer preparing for this coming season.

“I got to be the playmaker this year, and I feel like I’m ready to take that role,” Vidrine said.

The Rattlers will play their first game against East Central High School on Aug. 26.