If you ever wondered what went on in the locker room before a big Reagan Rattler game, today is a chance to see a glimpse. Picture this: Coaches talking game schemes, a buzz from the players that generates excitement, wise words and experience from those who’ve been there before that clams nerves. But the culmination is the video that the players watch that whips them into a frenzy before they take the field. The first part of tonight’s video talked about playing for your brother, and not playing for the hate of a rival. The second part is what resonates in my ears as I sit and write this article, the chorus of chanting voices with one passion that stormed the field at Comalander field to a commanding victory over the Hwy 281 rival Johnson Jaguars. It sounded something like this: Dear Lord, the battles we go through life, We ask for a chance that’s fair, A chance to equal our stride, A chance to do or dare, If we should win, let it be by the code, Faith and Honor held high, If we should lose, we’ll stand by the road, And cheer as the winners go by. Day by Day, we get better and better! The team that can’t be beat, WON’T BE BEAT! The Husker Prayer. Reagan 42 Johnson 12.
District Championship and playoff standings weighed heavy on the District 26-5A match up. Both teams felt the weight of the game. The Rattlers showed in a mighty way they could carry the load and then some. Johnson struck first however with an opening drive score that put them ahead 7-0 in the early portion of the game. The Rattler offense took the field with aspirations of scoring as well on the following drive however the offense was stifled and defensive unit was called upon again to take the field. In three of the past district games the defense has shown up in a thunderous way, but out of the three Efren Rodriguez has scored twice on interceptions. Mark this game as number three. With a 68 yard pick Six, Rodriguez brought his interception total to 3 to equal his defensive scoring total. From that moment the Rattlers went on a 35-0 scoring run that slammed the door on the Jaguars and cemented the Green and White as one of the dominant teams in 26-5A play. Many experts and media personalities billed these teams as “carbon copies” and called this game close on both sides with Reagan edging Johnson in the final minutes. No doubt was left who was the better team.
Seniors Ty Summers and Kash Knutson connected once again through the air giving Knutson 11 receiving touchdowns on the year. Summers blistering ground game has carved out over 1100 yards on the ground to go with 19 rushing touchdowns. Summers skinned the Jaguars for over 183 yards on the ground to go with two rushing scores. Senior Luke Wilson pounded out close to 50 yards rushing to also add his 3rd rushing touchdown on the season.
The Rattlers take command of District 26-5A as the only unbeaten team with an overall record of 8-0 and 4-0 in the district. Reagan squares off against the Churchill Chargers at Comalander Stadium on Friday, November 1st at 7:30. A special thanks to all who supported the win in the packed out stands. Your presence is truly appreciated! Strike ‘em Rattlers!