MISSION — Before graduating from Sharyland High in spring 2013, standout quarterback Tres Barrera left an enduring message with his program.
“He said, ‘Hey, don’t be like us. Be better than us,” coach Ron Adame said.
Barrera’s Rattlers finished 10-0 that regular season before losing in the third round to San Antonio Madison. The following year, without him, Sharyland High’s season ended again in the third round to the same team.
Two years later, the Rattlers are drawing inspiration from that message as they hope to finally get over the hump this season.
“I think the third time’s a charm,” quarterback Diego Chrysler said. “We should be pretty good.”
Sharyland High is hoping for better than “pretty good” — more along the lines of winning 13 games or reaching the fourth round of the playoffs, Adame said.
If there’s anything to take away from last season, Adame said, it’s that Sharyland High narrowed the gap a bit in the grudge match against Madison. There’s also the added year of experience, especially with the skill players, which should help.
What’s more, Sharyland High also received a boost in confidence from its performance in the 7-on-7 state tournament this summer.
Quarterback Lance Madden, who will share snaps with Chrysler, said the Rattlers will take a one-game-a-time-approach, with the team first trying to win district and then narrowing in on a playoff run.
“We’re trying to win every game,” Chrysler said. “But we’re trying to look at the big picture. We’re trying to prepare for those teams that have more speed. So we’re just going to use our regular season and our district games as trial and error. And once that second, third round hits, we’ll be ready to roll.”
SPLITTING THE PACK
The opening of Sharyland Pioneer created more opportunities, partly at the expense of
Sharyland High. When the sister school opened earlier this year, freshmen and sophomores zoned into the new district transferred to Pioneer. Juniors and seniors had the option to remain at Sharyland High.
As a result, the Rattlers hardly lost any impact players, other than Joe Garza, who started at inside linebacker as a sophomore last season. What Sharyland High did lose, however, was depth, which Adame was fine with in the spirit of competitive balance.
“Change is inevitable,” Adame said. “It can be a good thing. There’s going to be more opportunities for kids at Pioneer to be playing and experiencing Friday night football. … It reduces the depth, and we’re probably one less team overall. Last year we had five teams, this year we may have four, especially sub-varsity teams.
“I’d like to think that when the dust settles, the Sharyland school district is going to have two high schools that are equally competitive, not just football but all sports. It’s giving kids more opportunities.”
NEXT LEVEL
Sean Landez contributed in a variety of ways last season. He earned All-Valley first team honors as a defensive back and was named to the all-district first team as a safety. He provided a spark, too, on defense, while also serving as a reliable inside receiver.
His speed and vision produced an array of mismatches, and his field awareness created even more opportunities while playing as a kick and punt returner. As he enters his senior season, Sharyland High is expecting even more out of their all-around athlete.
“He’s a game-changer,” Adame said. “Every team’s got them. I think Sean’s definitely one of those for our squad. He’s going to get a lot more offensive reps this season. We’re putting offensive and defensive reps on his plate, and returning. But probably more than anything else, his locker room leadership. He’s a guy that’s been there, that’s expected it. When he talks, people listen. He doesn’t just talk to the talk, he walks the walk.”
THE RETURNERS
Sharyland returners seven starters this year, including four on the offensive end. Chrysler and Madden are under center again, along with Laredo Guerra, an inside receiver and serviceable running back, along with Keith Mora, a center with with three years experience.
On defense, the Rattlers welcome back two three-year starters in Rudy Tornero, a leading tackler and inside linebacker, and Aaron Serna, a defensive end, along with Landez.
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PROGNOSIS
Having won the past two district titles after 10-0 regular seasons, the Rattlers should be the favorite to add a third crown.
2014 Record: 13-1
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COACH’S TENURE
Coach: Ron Adame
Years at school: 3
Record at school: 24-2