MISSION — Sharyland High’s senior class doesn’t have to look too far back for motivation. A 12-year streak of consecutive playoff appearances by the Rattlers came to a screeching halt when the group was sophomores, many during their first or second years of playing varsity football.
They responded with an eye-opening 2021 season that ended with Sharyland High winning a share of the District 16-5A DII championship, along with Mercedes and Mission Veterans, as the Rattlers finished 8-3 overall and 7-1 in league play.
With one year left in the tank, Sharyland High’s seniors are determined to keep the program where it spent the majority of the last two decades — competing for district titles and playoff wins. The Rattlers begin the year ranked as the No. 6 Class 5A-6A team in the RGVSports.com preseason top 10 poll.
“It’s our senior year and we want to leave with a legacy here. A district championship back-to-back would be pretty cool and is something I want to bring back to Sharyland this year,” senior quarterback Cole Gerlach said.
The Sharyland offense is loaded with firepower in the form of seven returning starters including its top three weapons from 2021 in running back Alan Guerrero (1,336 rushing, 14 total touchdowns), Alek Gonzalez (1,103 all-purpose yards, nine touchdowns) and Alan Gonzalez (845 all-purpose yards, 12 touchdowns).
Gerlach split time at quarterback but is locked and loaded with an arsenal of weapons at the skill positions and an experienced offensive line.
| Sharyland High’s Cole Gerlach |
“I’m comfortable with this offense. We have three returning offensive linemen and I have faith in them,” Gerlach said. “My receivers on the outside, I feel like they’re going to get open fast and give the O-line plenty of time to block so I can get them the ball. “
Linebacker Gabriel Guajardo leads a speedy Sharyland defense that also features the Gonzalez twins, Alan and Alek, starring in the secondary at cornerback and safety, respectively. Guajardo, a three-year letterman, posted 50 total tackles in 2021, while Alan ranked second on the team with 76 tackles and Alek ranked third with 72 stops.
One advantage Sharyland High usually carries over its opponents into games is the play of its special teams unit and kicker/punter Kali Nguma. The four-year letterman set a personal record by drilling a 53-yard field goal against Brownsville Hanna last season. The longest distance he’s hit from (66 yards) came during practice. He also possesses the ability to pin offenses backs against the wall with powerful and precise punting.
When drives stall for the Rattlers offense after crossing the 50, Sharyland’s coaching staff has shown the willingness to give their special teams stud a shot at points.
“It’s big because I feel like a lot of people overlook special teams. In football, it’s offense, defense and then special teams, and it plays a big factor in the game,” Nguma said. “It shows the coaches have trust in me and I really appreciate it because I work really hard, the team works really hard, and I love putting points on the board to help my team out.”
| Sharyland High’s Kali Nguma |
The Rattlers open the season with non–district games against Brownsville Pace, Brownsville Hanna, McAllen Rowe, Weslaco High and Mercedes before kicking off district play against Roma in Week 6.