Rattlers lose final stand at home

By Osmara Valles

Sports Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas— The San Marcos Rattlers (0-10, 0-5) put an end to their season with a loss against the East Central Hornets (4-6, 2-3); the final score of the night being 45-21, Hornets. This was the final game of the season for the Rattlers as well as Senior Night for some of the players. The Rattlers were playing for the future- looking to create momentum to build upon next season.

San Marcos Rattler #28 holding up the Rattler mascot sign as they perform the school song after finishing the game. | Osmara Valles

The Hornets, on the other hand, entered the game hoping to get a win for a chance at the district playoffs. After their win against the Clemens Buffaloes, it really gave them momentum for this game against the Rattlers.

During the first quarter of the game, the Rattlers were dominating and put up a battle to maintain the lead. The Hornets were trailing right behind them leading to back-to-back scores. The Hornets scored two touchdowns during the second quarter putting them in the lead by one score. The Rattlers fought for the remainder of the second quarter, though it wasn’t enough to pull through.

At the end of the first half, the Hornets were ahead by one touchdown with the score being 21-14. The Rattlers still had an opportunity to bounce back throughout the second half of the game.

As the third quarter progressed, the Hornets made an astonishing comeback- scoring a touchdown within the first three minutes of the quarter. This would boost them up making it a bit difficult for the Rattlers to answer back.

There was a lack of communication between the players on the Rattlers end- resulting in many interceptions and two pick-six touchdowns throughout the fourth quarter. This was in fact the nail in the coffin for the Rattlers.

The Rattlers will look back on this season as a learning curve for them and the team will make strides this offseason to prove themselves.

At the conclusion of the game, the East Central Hornets were able to clinch a spot for this year’s district playoffs. The Rattlers finish their 2023 football season winless but will put everything behind them and start fresh next season.