OP/ED
The last two seasons of Rattler football have been rough for the community of San Marcos.
While the program has seen their fair share of lows, recent seasons have been particularly cruel and at times felt like a disservice to the athletes of San Marcos.
The recruiting allegations, which have surrounded the Rattler football program, cast a shadow over San Marcos during the 2024 season.
In my opinion, the University Interscholastic League set up the Rattlers to fail, with the athletes facing the wrath of the UIL’s fury over something that was out of their control. While top-flight programs in the state have been hit with actual evidence of recruiting, none have faced the punishment and wrath that San Marcos faced these past couple of seasons. But now, that is water under the bridge.
Seeing the Rattlers snap a 21-game losing streak, beating Hutto 40-27 in the season opener, was a cathartic feeling for not only the players and the coaches but for the community of San Marcos.
In a state where football is king, to see the community rally behind the Rattlers was a sight to be seen, and it’s hard not to get emotional about it. It was a win everyone needed.
The Rattlers hit a bump in the road with their Thursday night loss to Pflugerville Weiss and San Marcos was not looking too hot after trailing San Antonio Wagner 130 in the first half.
Then something happened. The Rattlers refused to fold.
Fifty-two unanswered points, 35 points scored in the third quarter and 21 points scored in less than a minute. The end result was San Marcos defeating Wagner 52-13 for the Rattlers’ first road win of the season and the first time defeating the Thunderbirds since 2013.
If the win over Hutto was for the community of San Marcos, the win over the Thunderbirds was a sign that the Rattlers are not going to bow down without a fight.
With one more nondistrict game left before the ‘real season’ begins, the Rattlers will face their toughest challenge of the season, the No. 7 ranked Lake Travis Cavaliers.
In coach-speak, scheduling tougher opponents helps stress test how good your team can be. Whether it’s to prepare your team for deep playoff runs or tough district competition, a tough non-district schedule helps programs see where they are competitively. Games similar to San Marcos-Lake Travis are no different.
For the Rattlers, a team that is expected to not only compete for the postseason but also contend for the district title, the upcoming showdown against the Cavaliers will be an excellent test to see how San Marcos stacks up.
Win or lose, the Rattlers have an opportunity to showcase their talents against one of the best teams in the state and prove their case why they should be considered a force to be reckoned with.
All eyes turn to Toyota Rattler Stadium this Friday, and San Marcos will look to prove things are changing for the better.
San Marcos will look to close out non-district play on a high note against No. 7 Lake Travis. Daily Record photo by Colton McWilliams
