SMHS FOOTBALL
San Marcos hosted the annual Purple and White spring game as the Rattlers showcased both their talents and what’s to come for the 2025 season in front of the home faithful.
Head Coach John Walsh was proud of the team for their efforts and finishing spring practice on a high note.
“When our [first team] defense goes against our [second team] offense, it’s hard for us to get a yard,” Walsh said. “[The defense is] really good over there.
We didn’t do that much tonight, so we really did a lot of our [first team] offense versus our [second team] defense. Our [second team] defense made some plays, but I think it showed the weapons we got outside with Hank Harris, Jordan Lampkin and Elliot Gray then being able to hand that ball off to [Justin] Tardy and I’zayah [Young] makes it easy. But it all revolves around that offense line.”
The Rattlers showcased their ability to run the football with running backs Justin Tardy and I’zayah Young breaking a couple of runs that went over 20 yards.
While he is happy with where the run game is right now, Walsh also knows the Rattlers have the potential to be even better when San Marcos starts the season.
“Next time we’re on this field, that stadium’s gonna be crowded from corner to corner,” Walsh said. “We’re going to be able to rush that football. I can promise you. That offensive line is strong already, but we got two more months to get stronger.
We’re a good football team now, but I want to be a team that, when the playoffs hit, nobody wants to see … in their bracket.”
While the running backs and the offensive line showcased their talents, the passing attack thrilled the hometown fans with the ariel aptitude.
Quarterback Buck Steyn along with receivers Hank Harris, Jordan Lampkin and Elliot Gray were able to make plays down field and score on the second team defense while showcasing their ability to complement the running game.
“It was good,” Walsh said. “[Buck] missed one deep ball, but I thought everything else was close and we completed a lot of [passes].”
Walsh was also proud of the Rattler defensive play, making a couple of key stops in the spring game while also forcing a couple of turnovers.
“I’m really pleased with our defense right now,” Walsh said. “If there’s one thing, it’s just the defensive line play being more technical. They are really athletic, and they want to play with their athleticism; but I like to see a more technical emphasis.”
As San Marcos look towards the offseason, Walsh put an emphasis on the Rattlers becoming a player led program that will push the team into the postseason and have the opportunity to win multiple playoff games.
“It’s just about building team chemistry,” Walsh said. “I’ve told them all from day one, I’ve coached a lot of football teams that have gone deep in the playoffs, and the ones that really go to December are the ones that have player leadership and not coaching leadership. So I’m the same every year, the player leadership makes the difference.”
Walsh also wanted the program to strive to get stronger and faster and not to be satisfied with the status quo.
“We don’t want to maintain anything,” Walsh said. “If you’re power clean right now is 275 by the time we get to the summer, it needs to be over 300. We’re not looking to maintain the state where we’re at, we’re looking to get better.”
The Rattlers will open the 2025 season at home against the Hutto Hippos.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
