(Mission, Texas)-In the Blue Diamond Realty Group Game of the Week, playing before a near-capacity crowd at Richard Thompson Stadium, the Sharyland Rattlers (5-4, 4-0) stopped the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks (6-3, 3-1) in the second half to win 35-22 and clinched a share of the District 16-5A Division II title for the second straight season under head coach Craig Krell. “This is amazing,” said Krell. “I give thanks to my coaches and our players. Wow.”
The Rattlers will close out its season against PSJA Southwest (1-8, 1-3) and will play the winner of 15-5A DII fourth place Edcouch-Elsa (3-6, 1-3) or Valley View (1-8, 1-3) in the first round of the UIL State 5A DII Bi-District Championships while the D’Backs are set to meet the third place 15-5A DII Mercedes Tigers (4-5, 2-2) in the playoffs.
The Rattlers scored quickly in the first half to take a 14-0 lead after a botched kickoff recovered by Sharyland in the opening kick. A few plays later, Rattlers QB Bo Krell handed the ball to RB Alan Guerrero for the seven-yard score to make it 7-0. On the Rattlers next possession, Krell spotted Alan Gonzalez for a 42-yard strike to make it 14-0 in the first quarter. The Diamondbacks went to work with QB Julian Valdez on fire leading the D’Backs to its first score, with WR Joseph Graham scoring to make it 14-7 with 1:57 left in the first quarter. The Diamondbacks again, led by Valdez, stopped the Rattlers on its next possession. Valdez led his team with quick passes to score on a ten-yard run to make it 16-14, after a safety prior to lead at the half.
The Diamondbacks had the same moment going into the third quarter with two turnovers by the Rattlers. But, the second half proved to be much different as Sharyland held the Diamondbacks to one score and went on to take advantage of turnovers by the D’Backs to secure their fourth straight win in district play. A pick six by Rattlers DB Santiago Longoria for a 40-yard score sealed the Rattlers comeback. The Sharyland Rattlers started off their season at 1-4, with four straight losses before entering district play. “My hats off to Sharyland,” said Pioneer head coach Eddie Galindo. “We had our opportunities tonight.” Pioneer QB Valdez ended the night with 225 yards passing and two scores. He also rushed for another 162 yards on 30 carries with one touchdown. Sharyland Alan Gonzalez had two catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns from Krell. (HSSMImages)
Got’Cha! Sharyland DE Jose Murillo takes down Pioneer QB Julian Valdez on Friday at Richard Thompson Stadium.