HS Countdown to Kickoff: Rattlers host Hornets to begin district play

San Antonio East Central showed major improvement last year, bouncing back from a winless 2017 season to finish 4-6 overall in 2018 with a 2-5 district record.

The Hornets will look to keep building on last year’s growth and are slated to visit San Marcos in their 26-6A opener. The Rattlers kept things close in their matchup last year, but fell on the road in San Antonio, 31-21, on Sept. 21, 2018.

East Central lost most of its offensive contributors from that game, but are aiming to retool around Deangelo Rosemond. The senior running back gouged San Marcos for 47 yards and a touchdown on nine carries last season, and racked up 789 yards and seven scores throughout the year. Rosemond should be well protected by the Hornets’ strong offensive line, bolstered by senior linemen Frankie Martinez and Daniel Santallana and junior lineman Elexander King, who combined for 85 pancakes in 2018.

The team’s defense returns five starters, but brings experience at nearly every position group. Senior defensive lineman Justin Gutierrez registered three sacks last year and senior linebacker Michael Martinez and senior safety Damien Quick combined for 10 total tackles against the Rattlers, including one behind the line of scrimmage for Quick.

San Marcos will host East Central inside Rattler Stadium on Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m.