Rattlers Suffer Tough Loss at Home

By Tyson Taylor  

KTSW Sports Reporter

The San Marcos Rattlers (0-8, 0-3) hosted the Judson Rockets (3-5, 2-1) this past Friday at the Toyota Rattler Stadium which resulted in a 48-16 loss.  

This matchup was the third district game of the season for both teams. The Rattlers came into this game still fighting for their first win of the season. While both teams have not performed to their standards this season, they both came into this exhibition ready to play with high energy.  

The Rattlers started the game off hot as they were making big plays on both sides of the ball. The Rattler defense was getting consistent pressure to the Rocket’s quarterback Elijah Favela, which was caused multiple stops for the defense. On the other side of the ball, Rattler’s KJ Webb and Tony Diaz made several nice connections. The Rattlers got on the scoreboard first in this game and closed the 1st quarter with a lead of 6-0.  

However during the 2nd quarter, the Judson Rockets had no intentions of letting this game slip out of their hands. They started the quarter off with a touchdown of their own to tie the game up at 6-6. Rattlers followed that up by making a nice drive and converting on a field goal to take the lead at 9-6. The Rockets would then manage to gain momentum by scoring two touchdowns within the final minutes of the first half to go up 20-9.  

The recurring problem for the Rattlers during this game was definitely penalties. There were numerous big plays for the Rattlers offense that were called back for either holding or false start penalties. San Marcos Head Coach John Walsh was letting his frustrations be heard as he was pleading with the referees all night long.  

The second half was a completely different ballgame for both teams. The Judson Rockets came out with fire lit up underneath them. They opened the second half with a 79-yard kickoff touchdown return. They would come back to strike again and take a commanding 34-9 lead over the Rattlers. The Rattlers had no answer for this Rockets offense and found themselves trailing into the fourth quarter with a score of 41-9.  

Both teams scored a touchdown of their own in the fourth quarter. However, from the very large deficit, this game was out of reach for the Rattlers by the third quarter. The final score of this district game was 48-16, the Judson Rockets put on a dominant performance to say the least. Senior Wide Receiver Tony Diaz had some words to say after the game.  

“We need to continue working on our keeping our temper,” said Diaz. “We can’t be giving up those big plays. We make a big play, but we get it called back. We just can’t have that.”  

With only two games left in the season, the Rattlers are still fighting to get a win on their record. While this team is currently sitting with an 0-8 record, they have not given up on this season yet.  

“Our coaches have the game plan for us,” said Diaz. “Us the players just have to execute, and I think we can win any of those games.” 

The Rattlers next matchup will be at New Braunfels against the Unicorns on Friday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m.