Rattlers’ and Diamondbacks’ rivalry continues
Progress Times photo by Joe Vela
Tonight at Richard Thompson Stadium, the 5-4, 2-1 Sharyland Rattlers will take on their sister-school rivals, the 5-3, 1-1 Pioneer Diamondbacks in an intense District 15-5A matchup. Not only is this a rivalry game between the two schools, but it also represents a battle for second place in the district. This will be an exciting showcase of the very best from Sharyland ISD football.
The rivalry began in the 2014-15 season when Pioneer High School was established. Over the past decade, the Rattlers have held an edge over the Diamondbacks, with a 6-4 lead in their series. In the first five games, the Rattlers went 4-1, but in the last five, the Diamondbacks started climbing back, winning three of the last five.
Looking forward to this matchup, Rattler head coach Craig Krell told Progress Times, “The rival games, such as this one, are great. These are the games you look forward to coaching. The community is involved on either side, and there’s excitement around the school. It’s one of those games we really look forward to.”
The Rattlers kicked off district play with a 30-20 win over the Veterans Memorial Patriots, followed by a 57-32 loss to Alice, and a 35-31 OT win over Roma. This game with the Diamondbacks marks the Rattlers’ final district game. Ahead of their last district matchup, Coach Krell told us, “It’s been a long season with nine straight games and two scrimmages. After this week, the kids are looking forward to the BYE week to rest and heal those bumps and bruises.”
This season, the Rattlers’ turnaround has been driven by dual-threat quarterback Calvin Harris, who has amassed over 3,200 yards and 38 touchdowns, leading his team to a 5-4 overall record. Krell spoke to us about the importance of Harris in this offense, “When you talk about quarterbacks, they’re the captains on the offensive side. Calvin has done a great job taking on that role, excelling in the classroom, studying film, and staying on the same page as the coaches. He’s very important.”
Receivers Francisco Gomez, Bruno Cavazos, and Santiago Longoria have also been instrumental in the Rattlers’ offensive success. They’ve been able to elevate the offense with Harris and will play big roles in tonight’s game.
Progress Times photo by Mario Magallon
On the opposite side, the Rattlers will have to deal with Pioneer’s own dual-threat quarterback, William Goodloe. Coach Krell commented on the talented quarterback and the offense of the Diamondbacks, “He’s improved every week, and they’ve been moving the ball well. It all starts with the run game, especially since he’s dual-threat. We need to slow that down because that’s when their offense gets rolling.” Goodloe has nearly 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, with half his yardage on the ground.
Progress Times spoke to Diamondbacks head coach Eddie Galindo about Goodloe’s dual-threat ability on the field “It’s definitely helped us. Letting his athleticism impact both the run and pass game and making us more multi-dimensional.” In addition to Goodloe, the Diamondbacks’ backfield, featuring Dylan Tijerina and Marcus Perales, has contributed almost 900 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, leading them to a 5-3 overall record.
The Diamondbacks began district play with a 28-0 loss to Alice but rebounded with a 35-14 victory over Roma. With two district games remaining, they’ll be looking to aim for a high seed in the playoffs, but will have to face both the Rattlers and the Veterans Memorial Patriots before they get there.
Galindo commented on the significance of this game, “You can’t make it bigger than it is. It’s a big game, a rivalry game. We respect the coaching staff and there’s a lot of love. We need to play a clean, hard-fought game. May the best team win on Friday.”
A key for the Diamondbacks will be containing Harris and the Rattlers’ offense. When asked about stopping Harris, Galindo told us, “You don’t just stop a guy like that. He’s accurate, throws well, and runs well. You just hope to contain him and avoid explosive plays.”
Galindo emphasized on a couple of things he’s telling his team ahead of tonight’s matchup, “Go out there and represent our school, our community, and our team with pride. Play hard, get after it, and have fun.”
Kickoff is set for 7 pm at Richard Thompson Stadium. Both teams will leave it all on the field, representing their city and community. Progress Times wishes the best of luck to both teams tonight.