SMHS FOOTBALL
Rattlers look to snap losing skid against the Judson Rockets
The Countdown to Kickoff series takes a look at the upcoming 2024 season for the San Marcos Rattlers.
This week will preview the Rattlers' district home game against the Converse Judson Rockets.
The Rockets are coming off a 4-8 season where they made the playoffs despite winning just three regular season games. Judson defeated both the East Central Hornets and San Marcos to punch their ticket to the postseason.
In the Bi-District round of the playoffs, Judson defeated the San Antonio Clark Cougars 27-7 and sealed their second consecutive playoff trophy. The Rockets fell to the Dripping Springs Tigers 38-34 in the Area round.
The Rockets return seven offensive starters from last year’s team that averaged 26.3 points per game.
Returning at quarterback is senior Elijah Favela. Favela passed for 2,483 yards last season and threw for 22 touchdowns in 12 games. Favela also ran for 22 yards on 62 carries and one touchdown.
Also returning in the passing game are wide receivers Kenyon Smith, Jack Call and Davian Watson. Smith caught 41 passes for 490 yards and one touchdown. Call caught 27 passes for 414 yards and seven touchdowns. Watson caught 33 passes for 410 yards and five touchdowns.
Judson will look to find a new running back after graduating their top six leading rushers.
On defense, Judson returns six defensive starters that held opposing offenses to 28 points per game.
Linebacker Jordan Dukes is back to lead the Rocket defense after making 35 tackles last season. Defensive back DeVaughn L’Herisse also returns having made 47 tackles.
The history of the San Marcos-Converse Judson series dates back to the 1974 season with the two teams having only played in district games against each other.
In the first ever meeting between the two teams, the Rattlers shut out the Rockets 35-0. The next year, San Marcos defeated Judson once again in a 62-13 win for the Rattlers.
The 1975 win remains the last time the Rattlers defeated the Rockets with Judson winning the next 16 games against San Marcos.
Overall, the Rockets lead the Rattlers in the series 16-2.
Kickoff is set for Friday Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Toyota Rattler Stadium.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
