SMHS Countdown to Kickoff: Rattlers take on SA Madison

One year after finishing 6-5 overall in 2021 and making a playoff appearance, San Antonio Madison will hope to keep its momentum rolling this season, but will lean on more inexperienced players to do so.

Head coach Blaine Pederson returns 27 lettermen, including nine starters — six on offense and three on defense. The Mavericks bring back all-district senior Brady Rabel, who will anchor the offensive line up front. Senior running back Darius Dillard was productive before suffering an injury midway through last season, gaining 457 yards on 99 carries, and should be healthy entering this year. Junior quarterback Landon Gill will get the chance to start behind center after serving as the team’s backup quarterback in 2021.

The defense still retains junior D-lineman Dhaylen Stanton, who posted 45 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks, and senior cornerback Damion Mendoza, who led the team last year with 70 tackles to go along with one interception.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine predicts Madison to finish in fourth place in District 28-6A, clinching the league’s final playoff spot. San Marcos is set to host the Mavericks inside San Marcos Toyota Rattler Stadium on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.