SAN ANTONIO — After Converse Judson finally bested Cibolo Steele last Friday after eight tries, San Antonio was an open playing field for upsets this Friday night.
San Antonio Reagan has dominated the last three years, holding a 10-game win streak against their district rivals Churchill. With both heading into the contest with an even 4-1 record, most in the Alamo City believe anything was possible at Comalander Stadium. The matchup was closely contested, but Reagan notched their 11th consecutive victory against Churchill 28-21.
“Our kids fought, our kids continued to fight through all four quarters like we wanted them to,” said Rattlers coach Lyndon Hamilton. “It’s always a big-time game when we play Churchill.”
The first two drives seemed like Reagan was going to keep the game well out of hand — the offense coiled and struck with each snap. Sophomore quarterback Travis Sthele lead the group on an 87-yard, six-play jaunt that resulted in a rushing score. The following drive was a 6-yard run by John Carrington, who endured a tackle before scurrying to the far side.
The second quarter saw the Rattlers momentum evaporate after Chargers quarterback Derek Perez shot a 14-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Sparrow, who blocked out the defensive back, high-pointed the ball and retrieved it in the end zone. Sthele began to show some inexperience as a sophomore starter, throwing an interception that resulted in a Malik Fletcher 2-yard touchdown score on the edge. The Rattlers shot-caller had another faux pas later in the third, under-throwing a pass on the sidelines that was picked off.
“We got a lot of things to clean up, but we are fortunate to get out of here 2-0 tonight,” said coach Hamilton. “We will look at the game film and put our best foot forward and get back on track for Lee next Saturday.”
The Rattlers found more offensive cohesion in the second half; Sthele connected with Konner Fox for a duo of touchdown passes from nine and 58 yards respectively.
Churchill tried to remain in the contest with a 12-yard touchdown to Jonathan Alva with minutes left. Following a failed onside kick, Churchill never saw the ball again.
Reagan improves to 5-1 and are undefeated in district play. Churchill falls to 4-2.
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