SAN MARCOS – To call the San Marcos Rattlers’ first year in Distrct 14-6A a successful one would be an understatement.
The playoffs were the goal, but head coach Mark Soto wanted more. As I asked him weeks ago about his team’s playoff berth, he said the goal was to win the district championship.
On Friday night, the Rattlers were in position to do just that, matched up against the Bowie Bulldogs with the winning team claiming the district crown.
With a few key players out or playing sparingly due to injuries, the Rattlers missed some of their offensive firepower, which became evident as Bowie rolled to a 59-7 win at San Marcos Toyota Rattler Stadium.
“I think our kids got out of what they do best. I think they got a little frustrated and got outside their mind,” San Marcos coach Mark Soto said. “You’ve got to stay focused and work hard.”
Austin Bowie, hoping to keep just a single blemish on their record, looked to standout running back Dalynn Threadgill, and the senior delivered.
While the Rattlers defense was able to limit Threadgill early on, he eventually broke through and away for two first half touchdowns, and several plays for heavy yardage.
Threadgrill entered tonight’s game with over 1100 rushing yards, but he finished his senior regular season campaign with 1360 yards, 246 of which he gained against San Marcos playing three quarters.
The Rattlers were led by senior quarterback Tyler Moreno, who threw for 122 yards and rushed for 33. Johnson only played four snaps and ended the regular season with 1,222 rushing yards, easily one of the surprises of the Rattlers season, especially after senior starter Cavion Garner suffered a season-ending injury in week one.
With the loss, the Rattlers finished the season at 6-4 and 4-1 in district play. San Marcos, who had already locked up the top seed in 6A Division II before this game, is now set to play Round Rock Stony Point (3-7) in the Bi-District round of the playoffs next Friday at home.
Bowie, finishing their season at 9-1, will move on to play Pflugerville Hendrickson.
