Rattlers Look to Bounce Back Against Rival Hays

By Jacob Aromy
Sports Reporter

Clemson University commit and Westlake High School quarterback Cade Klubnik had his most efficient game of the season in Westlake’s 56-0 Friday home win over the San Marcos Rattlers.

The 6-foot-2 quarterback accomplished a season-high quarterback rating (146.2) and scored five touchdowns, two being from the ground. Rattler quarterback Isaiah DeLeon was held to 14 yards. He attempted six total passes in the game, completing three.

The Rattler’s offense has not found the end zone since their win against East Central nearly a month ago (Sept. 10). After facing two of the strongest teams in the state with a bye week in between, Head Coach John Walsh and the Rattlers are ready for the late-season playoff race.

“We were honest, it’s no secret that Lake Travis and Westlake are two of the best programs in the state,” Walsh said. “They’re on a different spectrum than we’re on, we’re trying to get into the playoffs and they’re trying to do bigger things right now.”

“I’m glad these three weeks are over,” Walsh said. “We got these [next] five weeks to try to run the table and get into the playoffs.”

San Marcos is heading into the second part of the season this weekend at Hays against the in-district rival, Hawks. The Hawks and Rattlers are both going into this game 1-4 on the year and 0-2 in the district. While Hays has been undefeated against the Rattlers, winning last season 35-7, Walsh looks forward to the energy of playing a rival to fuel his team.

“I’m really starting to feel the rivalry now,” Walsh said. “I’m really looking forward to this… I’ve been working Hays for two weeks… so we’re excited to get together.”

The opening game of the season put the Rattlers back with multiple injuries against the New Braunfels Unicorns. Coach Walsh looks forward to seeing some big-named players on the field for the first time since week one.

“Jamil and Malik Gordon will play this week, and Ben Pactanac will play,” Walsh said. “We had five out, three of the five will be activated.”

Over the past couple games, star running back Jadyn Brown has seen a decline in production out the backfield, due to him also playing defensive back for the Rattlers. However, with the return of Malik Gordon, Coach Walsh will be able to use Brown more freely on offense as he now has another trustworthy defensive back returning to the lineup.

“Y’know, Jadyn, we’re going to use him a little bit more than we have been, he’s been going two-ways and we’re gonna spare him a little more on defense,” said Walsh. “Before the two monsters, we were moving the ball pretty good… and I hope we get back in that mode.”

The San Marcos Rattlers will be at Bob Shelton Stadium in Buda, Texas on Friday Night to take on rival Hays Hawks at 7:30 p.m.. Isaiah DeLeon will look to lead the offense to a bounce-back performance and get their first district win of the season.

Featured Image by Kyle Owen