Freshman Teams Split in Week 4 Action

            The San Marcos High School Freshman teams faced tough opponents as they played in their fourth game of the season.  The “Purple” team traveled to Burnet to tangle with the Bulldogs.  The “A” squad fell short in a 14-6 decision.  The “White” team traveled to Converse to take on the Judson Rockets.  In a barnburner the Rattlers squeaked by the Rockets 42-36.  The Purple teams sports a 3-1 season record, while the White ran their record to a perfect 4-0.

            In the Purple team game, the Rattlers faced an athletic Burnet team.  Big plays and turnovers led to the downfall of the mighty Rattlers.  The Bulldogs scored on their first play from scrimmage on a 64-yard halfback pass.  The try for 2 was bringing the score to 8-0.  The game was a defensive struggle for the most part.  The Rattlers threatened several times in the first half, but were not able to reach pay dirt. 

Burnet extended its lead to 14-0 early in the 4^th period scoring after a Rattler’ turnover.  The Rattlers never gave up.  Chris Cruz closed the gap to 14-6 on a 4-yard scamper with six minutes to go in the contest.  The Rattler defense stiffened and forced a Burnet punt.  San Marcos took over on their own 12-yard line.  Rattler’ halfback, James Williams exploded down the side line on his way to 88-yard touchdown run.  The play was called back for holding.  With 57 seconds left in the game, the Rattlers were able to drive from their own 6-yard line to the Burnet 20-yard line.  With 11 seconds to go, a Rattler pass was intercepted in the endzone to put the game away for the Bulldogs.

Cruz ran for 104 yards  on 21 carries to lead the Rattler offense.  Strong end, Chris Garcia also had a great effort throwing several key blocks and gaining 51 yards on 2 receptions.

The Rattler defense held the Bulldogs in check for most of the night.  Felix Gallegos, Kenny Smith, Joel Williams and Kevin Colwick played outstanding defense for the Rattlers.

The White team was able to run its record to 4-0 with an exciting 42-36 victory over the Judson Rockets.  Brandon Banks had an outstanding night for the Rattlers as rushed for 323 yards.  Banks registered 6 touchdowns on runs of 20, 14, 40 25, 85 and 45 yards. Opening gaping holes for the Rattler backfield were Pasqual Medina, Michael Bolanos, Gilbert Cavazos, Robert Bernal and Joshua Anzaldua.

The defense came up big in the closing seconds of the contest.  Trailing by six, the Rockets had possession on the Rattler’ 5-yard line.  After two quarterback sacks and a Rocket’ holding penalty, the Rattlers were able to hold on to their slim lead and keep their undefeated record in tact.

The Rattlers open District 25-5A play this week at home as they entertain the East Central Hornets.  The B team opens play at 5:00 as they take on a 3-1 Hornet team.  The A team faces a 4-0 East Central team at 7:00 in the second game of the double header.