Home Opener: The Banged Up Rattlers Take on East Central

By Gage Sutton
Sports Reporter

After two tough road losses to begin the season, The San Marcos Rattler Football team is, at last, coming home for their first game of the season in Toyota Rattler Stadium. The Rattlers prepare for The East Central (San Antonio) Hornets this week despite being hit with an onslaught of injuries. 

Rattler Head Coach John Walsh is understandably frustrated about losing some of his key players, but he’s hopeful that some of his younger players will step up to the challenge. Walsh also believes that most of his injured players should be back for their Oct. 8 district matchup against Hays.

 “The beauty of all the injuries is all of them will be back after Westlake, which means a five-game season left,” Walsh said. “The experience we’re getting behind those guys is gonna be invaluable and just make us deep for when it’s time for us to make a late-season push.”

The Rattlers will be down at least four players for their matchup against East Central including their dynamic wide receiver/cornerback duo: the Gordon twins, Malik and Jamil. Running back Kanui Guidry is also on the shelf for at least another  four weeks according to Coach Walsh.

Despite all this, Walsh is confident in his team.

Coach Walsh emphasized how the success of the offense will rely on the performance of his big guys up front. Defensively, the Rattler’s plan is to stop East Central’s quarterback Caden Bosanko and his physical running style. 

“We’ve gotta lean on that o-line because, in the end, football is won and lost in the trenches,” Walsh said. “Defensively the goal is stopping [Bosanko] and not letting that motor get going.”

The Hornets can however expect to see Rattler quarterback Isaiah DeLeon back in the lineup Friday night. Despite leaving early with a hand injury in last week’s 35-34 loss to Holmes, Coach Walsh said fans should expect to see DeLeon come game-time. 

San Marcos High School will take on East Central, Friday, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Toyota Rattler Stadium. The game can be heard on KTSW 89.9 with Gage Sutton and Kyle Owen on the call.

Featured Image by Kyle Owen