RATTLER FRESHMEN TEAMS TOP MADISON

                The Rattler 9^th grade teams traveled to San Antonio on Saturday to take on the Madison Mavericks.  The Purple team came out victorious earning a 14-6 win to open their 2004 campaign at 1-0. 

                 The Mavericks scored first as they hit pay dirt on a 26-yard touchdown pass.  The try for 2 was no good leaving the score at 6-0.

                The Rattlers got on the board midway through the second stanza when quarterback, Zach Cruz, connected with Scott Camacho on an 18-yard scoring strike.  The Rattlers took the lead for good as Camacho raced in for the 2-point conversion.  Felix Gallegos provided the key block that sprung Camacho into the end zone.  At half-time, Rattlers held an 8-6 lead. 

The Rattler’ offense controlled the ball the entire 3^rd period allowing the Mav's zero offensive positions in the quarter.  The Rattlers extended their lead to 14-6 on an 8-yard scamper by James Williams.  The try for two failed.

 The Rattler offense was lead by Chris Tovar (fullback), Chris Garcia (strong end) and Zach Cruz (quarterback).  Rattler’ guards, D.J. Hemphill and Willie Sanchez did a great job opening holes for our backs. 

                The Rattler defense kept the Mav’s offense in check for most of the game.  Chris Cruz, Kenny Smith, Lawrence Warren and Adrian Villarreal all played well in holding the Mav's to only 3 first downs for the entire game.   

                In the 2^nd game of the double header, the Rattler White team dominated the Mavericks as they coasted to a 20-6 victory.  The win moves their season mark to 1-0. 

Kirk Baen gave the Rattlers excellent field position in the first minutes of the game as he picked off a Maverick pass.  Brandon Banks scored on the very next play as he went in on a 13-yard run.  The try for 2 was good making the score 8-0.  Banks scored again on the Rattlers next possession as he raced down the field on a 60-yard run.  The try for failed this time making the score 14-0.

Neither team was able to score in the 3^rd period as both teams traded punches with the defenses coming out on top.  Banks rolled in for his 3^rd score of the night as he rolled in from 18 yards out.  The try for 2 failed making the score 20-0.  The Mavs scored a meaningless touchdown late in the period to close out the score at 20-6.

Standouts of offense were Lauren Morales (QB) along with the offensive line of Pascual Medina, Gilbert Cavazos, Muhammd Husnai and Greg Elbel.

Michael Hernandez had a great game to pace the Rattler defense as he recorded 11 tackles, 2 sack and 1 interception.  Overall, the defense played exceptionally well. 

Both teams play at home this wee as they host Stony Point on Thursday.  The White team opens play at 5:30.  The Purple team will play immediately following the conclusion of the first game.  Come out and support our freshmen teams!  Hope to see you there!