Monday, September 16, 2024
The Rattlers have been here before, and they were successful. This time, however, they are coming with a lot of talent and ambitions.
From 2016 to 2019, Tolar competed in Class 3A Division II, posting a 23-21 record. It advanced to the playoffs three times, including a second-round appearance.
Now, the Rattlers are back at that level. On the heels of a 42-13 record over the past four seasons in 2A Division I, they are ready to make even more noise at the higher level.
Tolar is coming off a 14-2 season that saw them finish second in the state. They return seven offensive and eight defensive starters from that team, several of whom also helped them to a 13-1 record and the state quarterfinals the season before, and even some who were there when they went 10-3 and advanced to the third round in 2021.
In other words, Tolar has experience with a capital E among its returning starters.
They also have a new head coach in Blake Mouser, who, like former coach Jeremy Mullins — now leading the new Eagle Mountain program — simply knows how to win.
Before coming to Tolar Mouser was at Austin Vandegrift for 11 years and was the offensive coordinator for the past decade. He helped lead the Vipers to 106 wins, including a run to the Class 6A Division II state championship game in 2022.
From 2013 to 2022, the Vipers reached at least the second round of the playoffs each season. This included seasons of 14-2, 12-1, 12-3, 11-3, 11-1 and 10-3.
“We feel like we can compete if we take care of ourselves each week with the way we practice and prepare,” Mouser said. “Moving up a classification is great for our sub-varsity teams as we have two JV squads and over 60 junior high kids playing, so we will be able to get them games and have more experience playing.”
RETURNING TALENT —
OFFENSE
The Rattlers have seven starters returning on offense, including a running back who, it could be said, when healthy is not only one of the best in Texas, but also one of the best in the nation.
As a junior, Peyton Brown was among the nation’s leaders with 2,777 yards and 49 touchdowns. Last season, despite being injured (ankle) for the majority of the regular season, he finished with 560 yards and a dozen touchdowns in nine games.
For his career, Brown has rushed for 4,731 yards and scored 90 touchdowns.
Joining Brown as returning offensive starters are fellow seniors wide Brylen Feist (16 catches, 188 yards, two TD) and Talan Culbertson (17 catches, 187 yards, three TD), tight end Drake Owens (9 catches, 75 yards, two TD), and linemen Sam Stewart, Zane Graham and Toby Combs.
Culbertson is also in the battle to be the starting quarterback this season.
Owens and Stewart were named first-team all-district, with Feist, Culbertson and Graham seconds team, along with Combs being honorable mention. Also, while not starting, key reserve sophomore running back Kelvin Murray received honorable mention.
RETURNING TALENT —
DEFENSE
The majority of the starting defense is back, led by district defensive MVP senior linebacker Drake Owens (136 tackles, four for loss, one sack, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries) and senior district defensive lineman of the year Cash Clark (103 tackles, 12 for loss, seven sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries).
Also back are fellow seniors lineman Hunter Michels (95 tackles, 16 for loss, six sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery), linebackers Brooks Stone (41 tackles, nine for loss, three sacks, one fumble recovery), and Ty McClure (65 tackles, five for loss, one sack, two interceptions), along with defensive backs Caden Pate (29 tackles, one interception) and cutter Cain (77 tackles, 12 for loss, four sacks, two fumble recoveries).
The lone non-senior among the returning starters is sophomore defensive lineman Cayden Abrego (30 tackles, six for loss, three sacks).
Michels, McClure and Cain were named first-team all-district, with Abrego, Stone and Pate second-team. Stone was also named first-team all-district punter after averaging 37 yards per kick.
Three returning Tolar defenders were named all-state by the Texas Sports Writers Association. Owens was second-team, with Clark and Cain honorable mentions.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Among newcomers and some who went back and forth between varsity and JV last season who could make a quick impact are:
Sophomore quarterback Briton Rice, up from the JV and battling for the starting job.
Murray, who saw some action on varsity last season, also could see some time at linebacker.
Junior wide receiver/defensive back Noah Yanish, up from JV.
Junior wide receiver Dacen Watkins, up from JV.
Senior wide receiver Zane Terrell, who played basketball last season.
DISTRICT
The Rattlers will compete in District 5-3A Division II. Five of the six teams in the league reached the postseason in 2023, led by Tolar, with Dublin (6-6) having advanced to the second round.
Also, Eastland (3-8), Clifton (3-8) and Brady (3-8) reached bidistrict, with Dublin (1-9) rounding out the district.
“Every team has solid programs with quality coaches in communities that care about their program,” Mouser said. “We look forward to a fun year! Our schedule is tough with seven of our 10 opponents last year making the playoffs and all 3A schools.
“I have told our team that we expect to win, and that approach will always be the same which is based on our program’s hallmarks of discipline, effort, toughness and honor.
“I can’t thank the community of Tolar enough for welcoming myself and my family, along with seven new coaches to the school. The support the program receives is second to none, and I look forward to seeing our stands rocking this fall!”
