SMHS FOOTBALL
Winning their first playoff game since 2017, the Rattlers are now looking to accomplish what only two other teams have accomplished since 1967. Win in the Area round.
Since 1967, the Rattlers have won in the Area round just twice, during the 1999 and 2006 seasons which saw both teams make a run to the regional final. San Marcos will look to join that company when they face off with the Edinburg Bobcats.
The Bobcats entered the playoffs with a 6-4 overall record after placing in third place in 6A District 31. In the Bi-District round of the playoffs, Edinburg defeated Brownsville Veterans Memorial 24-13 to advance.
Edinburg emerged from District 31 with one of the best defenses in the Rio Grande Valley at the Class 6A level. The Bobcats have held their opponents to an average of 16.1 points per game. In comparison, the Rattlers “Purple Thunder” defense has held opponents to an average of 18.2 points per game.
The Bobcats are led by senior linebacker Moises Hernandez who leads the team in total tackles with 148. Hernandez also leads the team in solo tackles with 52 along with 17 tackles for loss. Senior defensive tackle Diego Gonzalez is second in total tackles with 84, along with 22 solo tackles and 20.5 tackles for loss.
On offense, the Bobcats are led by junior quarterback Aidden Sanchez. Sanchez has passed for 1,579 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
Sanchez’s main target has been senior wide receiver Jude Vega with 41 catches for 506 yards and five touchdowns. Senior Ethan Calderon is also a favorite for Sanchez with 33 catches for 337 yards and four touchdowns.
In the ground game, junior running back Tyler Galvan has rushed for 411 yards on 67 carries and three touchdowns.
The Bobcats have averaged 20.5 points through 11 games compared to the Rattlers 28.1 points per game.
This is the first-ever meeting between the Rattlers and the Bobcats and the first time San Marcos has faced a team from the Rio Grande Valley in program history. Kickoff for San Marcos-Edinburg is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Buccanneer Stadium in Corpus Christi.
This is the first meeting between San Marcos and Edinburg while being the first time San Marcos has faced a team from the Rio Grande Valley. Daily Record photo by Gerald Castillo
