Jaguars Victorious on Homecoming Night

Jaguars Victorious on Homecoming Night

By: Osmara Valles

KYLE, Texas–– The San Marcos Rattlers traveled to Kyle, Texas, to take on the Buda-Johnson Jaguars on Friday night in Ben Shelton Stadium. The Rattlers came into this one hoping to end their drought against a formidable Jaguars team who were celebrating their homecoming night. The Jaguars came out victorious 41-19, improving to 4-1, while the Rattlers dropped to 0-5 on the season.

The Rattlers defense drew first blood against the Jaguars offense, forcing a fumble on the inaugural possession of the game. Following the fumble, the Rattlers drove down the field utilizing two fourth down conversions to score the opening points of the game. Senior running back Donovan Garcia was the one who dashed into the end zone for the 19-yard touchdown

The Jaguars responded accordingly, manufacturing a run-heavy drive that featured senior quarterback Zachary Isaak. Isaak let one rip for 39-yards off the QB-option before using the option play again to score a 6-yard touchdown knotting the game at 7-7 at that point in the first quarter. Once the Jaguars scored they would never look back as they led for the rest of the game dominating the ground game- going for over 200 yards on the ground. 

The Rattlers did their best Miami Dolphins impression, pulling off fake punt flea-flicker eight minutes into the second quarter. However, the Rattlers couldn’t figure out a way to punch it into the end zone on that possession, eventually turning it over on downs.

The woes wouldn’t stop there for the Rattlers as the punter shanked a punt inside their own 25-yard line. The Jaguars would capitalize on the special teams error with 1:23 in the second quarter, with senior running back Kael Hatknot scoring on an 8-yard touchdown rush.

After the game, San Marcos head coach John Walsh acknowledged the growing pains his team is facing. “The biggest situation to win a football game is three minutes before the half and three minutes after the half” Walsh said, “ [And] we failed at both of those.” 

The Rattlers will look to regroup as they continue their search for their first win of the season next week against the Clemens Buffaloes at Toyota Rattler Stadium in San Marcos, Texas. The Jaguars will aim to keep their momentum rolling against the Canyon Cougars on the road in New Braunfels, Texas as district play heats up.