Rattlers Defense Shutting Down District Early

By Brenden Snow
Sports Reporter

The San Marcos Rattlers are 2-0 so far in district play, thanks to some big time performances from their defense. The Rattlers will head into Friday’s game at home vs. Manor after two stellar performances the Rattlers will look to keep the hot streak going.

In their district home opener on October 7th, against Akins, San Marcos dominated and came out on top 24-3. The defense came up with big stops all game long and continuously stuffed the run game. The Rattlers defense really impressed in the second half when Akins had 1st and goal inside the 10 and the Rattlers held them out on all four attempts and forced a  turnover on downs.

The Rattlers had to come back last Friday on the road to beat Del Valle in overtime. The defense struggled early and gave up 26 points in the first half and the team trailed 26-19 at half. But it truly was a story of two half’s in this one. With a little adjustment and a major pep talk in the locker room the defense came out looking brand new. In the second half and overtime the Rattlers defense blanked Del Valle and allowed the offense to tie it up and win it.

Defensive Coordinator Gilbert Rodriguez has had a lot of good things to say about his guys and what they have been doing special.

Coach Rodriguez credits more to how hard the guys play out there over scheme changes. Even if against Del Valle it seemed their halftime adjustment decision to go to four down linemen instead of three was the key he believes it is more of the players buying in rather than personnel changes.

The defense is lead by veterans all around the field and those are the guys Coach Rodriguez believes is really setting the tone and have this defense playing this way.

This Friday the Rattlers will play Manor in San Marcos looking to capture a 3rd straight district win. Manor comes into this one 1-6 on the season and 0-2 in district. The Manor offense hasn’t been anything special so far this season so look for this Rattlers defense to put up another big performance.

You will be able to catch the game on KTSW.net live stream or tune into 89.9FM on your dial. Pre game starts at 7:15pm with kickoff at 7:30. Be sure to get out and support your local San Marcos Rattlers.