Reagan holds off San Antonio Johnson to survive 'biggest test of the year': 5 takeaways
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - The 2023 'Stone Oak Super Bowl' lived up to its hype.
Reagan handed San Antonio Johnson its first loss of the season in a 41-27 victory behind running back Cole Pryor's four touchdowns.
Both the Rattlers (7-0, 5-0), SBLive's No. 19 team in Texas, and the Jaguars (6-1, 4-1) entered Friday night in a tie for first place in District 28-6A.
The Rattlers left Heroes Stadium in San Antonio with sole possession.
In addition to Pryor's four scores, he also finished with 149 yards on 30 carries, while Reagan's defense came up with two turnovers, and its special teams blocked a punt late to seal the victory.
For Rattler head coach Lyndon Hamilton, it was a complete victory in all three phases of the game.
"There was a reason why we scheduled two tough non-district opponents to help us prepare for district games like this and the playoffs," Hamilton said. "This was our biggest test of the year, and we came out and executed well tonight."
The Jaguars (6-1, 4-1) rode junior TCU committed quarterback Ty Hawkins, who rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown. Lorenn "Bubba" Johnson had 111 yards on the ground.
Here are five takeaways:
RATTLER DEFENSE LEADS WAY
The Rattler defense came into the contest with seven interceptions on the season and once again proved they can contain a highly prolific Jaguar offense.
"Knowing that we have that defense behind us makes us know that we can depend on them," Pryor said. "At the end of the game, (our defense) showed themselves with the interception. It makes us feel real good."
Hawkins moved the ball by sheer will, but Reagan was able to hold the Jaguar gunslinger to fewer than 200 passing yards — and did not allow any big plays.
REAGAN DICTATED GAME'S PACE
Reagan was able to control the flow of the game by playing at their own pace to have a balanced offensive attack through the entirety of the game.
"My offensive line was doing a great job blocking up front and I was able to take what they were seeing and really put my foot down and go," Pryor said. "I was really able to capitalize off of that."
Pryor may have stolen the show, but senior quarterback Brad Jackson was an efficient 16-for-18 passing for 170 yards.
Hamilton lauded Jackson's polish, football IQ and ability to shoulder a significant load.
GAME DECIDED LATE, BUT REAGAN MAINTAINED STEADY CONTROL
Through four quarters, the Rattlers controlled and won all three phases of the game; offense, defense, and special teams.
Despite being out-gained in total yards, the Reagan defense still was able to force two turnovers, and their special teams came up with a blocked punt late in the fourth quarter.
The blocked punt set the Rattlers up deep in Jaguar territory with four minutes left in the game, and Pryor was able to punch in his fourth score of the game.
RATTLERS WILL USE AS CONFIDENCE BOOST
Through four games of district play, Reagan has shown it can win with offense, defense and special teams.
Hamilton feels confident enough in his defense to take risks as a play-caller on offense in late-game situations.
"We have a lot of confidence in our defense right now," Hamilton said. "... like going for it on fourth down late in the game to be able to chew more time off the clock and keep their offense off the field."
The Rattlers comfortably switched up the pace of play at times.
"Brad [Jackson] and the o-line are really gelling right now, and they know when is the right time to pick up the pace or the need to slow it down," Hamilton said.
"I think this win is great for the confidence, but we know we are not done yet," Pryor said. "We have great district opponents in front of us and in the playoffs, so we just need to get back to practice and continue to work."
DRIVER SEAT FOR DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP
The Rattlers now sit alone at the top of district 28 with three games remaining.
Reagan faces San Antonio Churchill next, which will certainly give the Rattlers their best shot as they are battling for a top-four playoff spot.
"I think this win is great for the confidence, but we know we are not done yet," Pryor said. "We have great district opponents in front of us and in the playoffs, so we just need to get back to practice and continue to work."
The postgame message? Celebrate tonight, back to work tomorrow.
"We take everything one week at a time," Hamilton said. "Last week we focused on SA Madison and their playmakers, and this week we focused on Johnson' and all their playmakers they have. It is a tough district to win, and we go week-by-week."
-- Ryan Childers | ryanchilders0455@gmail.com | @sblivetx
