The San Marcos Rattlers (1-0 in district) looked to continue their momentum in district play as they took on the undefeated Steele Knights (1-0 in district) at Toyota Rattler Stadium Friday evening. However, after falling behind early there was no coming back as San Marcos fell 48-14.
Rattler wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) lined up at the line of scrimmage. By Chris Johnson
The first half belonged all to the Knights, as the Rattlers came out to a slow start. The Rattlers’ second drive ended with an interception, allowing the Knights to score on their first three possessions with three receiving touchdowns by Joe Perez putting San Marcos in an early hole down 21-0.
The Rattlers’ offensive line struggled all throughout the evening to get the run game going as Steele’s defensive line was in the backfield most of the night. Head Coach John Walsh didn’t shy away from the run game as the Rattlers’ first touchdown came halfway through the second quarter with a Jaidyn Brown rushing touchdown putting the Rattlers on the board, leaving the score 21-7.
“42 was able to shoot the gap a couple times, but we made adjustments at half and after that I think we were able to contain him pretty good,” Walsh said.
The Rattlers’ defensive struggles continued as they allowed the Knights to reach the end zone two more times taking the score to 35-7 at half.
Rattler football team in a huddle during a timeout mid-game. By Chris Johnson
Coming out of halftime the Rattlers’ defense came out big and gained a little momentum as they were able to force a fumble, giving the ball back to their offense. The Rattlers’ offense was able to capitalize off the Knights’ mistake as Brown found the end zone with another rushing touchdown.
“I really thought at halftime even though it was 35-7, I felt like we played good football we were just unfortunate on some big plays,” Walsh said. “Defensively we had some outside contain problems, but we were able to adjust at half and we were able to make them turn over the ball the next three times.”
The Rattlers running back Jaidyn Brown had another great outing, stepping up into the starting role and giving the offense great production the past couple of weeks with Jake Rodriquez- Scholtz sidelined once again. Brown was the only Rattler to see the end zone with two rushing touchdowns.
“Not having Scholz again, he was out tonight but he’ll be back next week, so it was kind of his show back there and they normally share so really proud how he shouldered the responsibility,” Walsh said. “I’m actually really proud of how the o-line and tight ends were able to block in front of him.”
Rattler quarterback Isaiah DeLeon (5) sets the offense up and is ready to snap the ball. By Chris Johnson
In an offensive and defensive struggle, the Rattlers didn’t have the result they were looking for as they fall to the Steele Knights 48-14 moving the Rattlers to 1-1 in district play. While the Knights’ perfect season remains intact and now are 2-0 in district play.
“Next week we just got to be better than we were tonight,” Walsh said. “I think if you watch our videos we get better and better each week and I think if we are better next week then we were this week, I think the San Marcos fans are going to be pleased.”
Next Friday the Rattlers look to get back on the right foot and move to 2-1 in District-27-6A when they travel to San Antonio-Converse where they take on the (2-0 in district) Judson Rockets at D.W. Rutledge Stadium on Oct. 21st at 7:30 p.m.
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