SMHS FOOTBALL
The Countdown to Kickoff Series takes a look at the upcoming 2025 season for the San Marcos Rattlers who are looking to make a return trip back to the playoffs.
This week will preview the Rattlers final home game of the season that could potentially determine the District 29 champion when San Marcos hosts the Cibolo Steele Knights.
Steele is the defending district champion, having won the last four district championships and not losing a district game since 2020.
The Knights finished the 2024 regular season with a 9-1 record with their lone loss coming against the Austin Westlake Chaparrals.
Steele defeated Laredo Alexander in the Bi-District round before beating Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High in the Area round.
The Knights fell in the regional semifinals, losing to the Austin Vandergrift Vipers 49-35. The Vipers later went on to win the 6A Division II state title.
Steele enters the 2025 season as the district favorite despite returning less than half of the starters from last season.
On offense, senior running back Jonathan Hatton will look to lead the offensive attack. A commit to Texas A&M, Hatton rushed for 1,147 yards on 121 carries, scoring 14 touchdowns. Hatton also caught seven passes for 55 yards.
Also returning for the Knights is wide receiver Micah Sheeler who caught 13 passes for 98 yards.
Defensively, Steele will be led by senior linebacker Pearce Kempe. Kempe finished last season with 91 total tackles, 21 solo tackles and seven tackles for loss. Looking to help Kempe in senior Julian Hugo. Hugo led the team in tackles for loss with 21.0 along with 83 total tackles and 20 solo tackles.
Juniors Eli Johnson, Marshall Kenner and Jerry Robinson will also look to contribute on defense.
The series history between San Marcos and Cibolo Steele dates back to 2008 where the two schools have been consistent opponents.
Unfortunately for San Marcos, Steele has dominated the series, defeating the Rattlers 11 consecutive times.
Kickoff for San Marcos-Steele is set for Friday Oct. 24 at Toyota Rattler Stadium. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.
