COLTON MCWILLIAMS SPORTS EDITOR
The Countdown to Kickoff series takes a look at the upcoming 2025 season for the San Marcos Rattlers as they prepare to hit the gridiron in the hopes of returning back into the postseason.
This week will preview the Rattlers road game against the Converse Judson Rockets.
The Rockets are coming off a 4-6 season where Judson missed the playoffs following a loss to Buda Johnson 38-36 after both teams tied for fourth place.
Against the Rattlers, Judson defeated San Marcos 55-3.
The Rockets are looking to be back in the postseason hunt going into the 2025 season with four starters returning on both offense and defense.
The Judson offense will be led by junior running back Kayden Graham. Graham led the team in rushing last season with 161 carries for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. Graham also caught 19 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown.
Also returning for the Rockets on offense is senior wide receiver Elijah Massengale who caught 15 passes for 247 yards.
On defense, the Rockets will be led by senior Marcel Smith. Smith was second in total tackles last season with 104 along with 64 solo tackles and nine tackles for loss. Senior Ayden Ramirez also returns for the Rockets having made 54 total tackles, 31 solo tackles and one tackle for loss.
The series history of San Marcos and Judson dates back to the 1970s where the two high schools have been paired as district bunkmates on and off over the years.
The first meeting between the Rattlers and the Rockets took place during the 1974 season after being put in the same district during that year’s realignment. San Marcos defeated Judson 35-0 for their first win over the Rockets.
The next season, San Marcos defeated Judson once again, beating the Rockets 62-13.
Since the Rattlers win in 1975, the Rockets have flipped the series against San Marcos. Judson has won 17 consecutive games against the Rattlers since 1980 with the Rockets defeating San Marcos by multiple possessions in 16 of the last 17 games.
San Marcos will look to flip the script against Judson Friday Oct. 17 at D.W. Rutledge Stadium in Converse. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
