RIO GRANDE CITY — First-year head coach Jesus Lozano made it clear to his players what his goals were this season after taking over in February. Despite a 2-6 record last year, Lozano set the bar high for Rio Grande City, expecting a return to the postseason. Three weeks into the season, the Rattlers have bought into Lozano’s mentality, tallying a 2-1 record, including wins over Starr County rival Roma and their former head coach Leo Mireles and his new team, the Laredo LBJ Wolves.
“He believed in us since Day 1,” Rattlers running back Victor Cardenas said. “We believe in him and that we can do it. So that’s what we’re going out there and trying to do.”
Offensively, the Rattlers have ran through opponents, averaging 358.5 yards per game on the ground during their two wins. Lozano’s slot-T offense is led by running backs Victor Cardenas and CJ Garcia.
The running back tandem has combined for 621 yards and six touchdowns to start the season. Lozano and the duo agree the offensive line has been the key to the team’s success on the ground.
Senior Julio Moreno, the team’s lone returner on the line, has anchored the trenches. Despite playing only three games together, the chemistry between the linemen has been huge, Moreno said.
“I’m the only returning starter, but none of these guys fall far behind,” he said. “They’re all amazing athletes. We’ve been busting our behinds since spring.
“The whole line, we’re all really connected. We’ve been hitting the sled almost every day since the summer. We’re just like brothers.”
Defensively, the Rattlers have flown to the ball, forcing five turnovers, while holding opponents to 292.7 yards per game.
Senior Mikey Compean has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Rattlers’ defense, racking up three sacks, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovered.
“He is all over the field for us,” Lozano said. “We move him around. He’s very athletic. He’s the type of kid that can play any side of the ball at any position. He’s a student of the game. That’s why he’s doing so well. But also, our defensive staff putting kids in the right spot to succeed.”
While the Rattlers have gotten off to a fast start to the season, they’re far from a finished product, Lozano said, looking to improve on the passing game while cleaning up small miscues throughout the team.
The Rattlers remain focused on getting back to the postseason despite dropping their first game Friday against Hidalgo.
“We got to take it one game at a time,” Lozano said. “I expect us to do well and get better. I haven’t been shy from the very beginning. We’re going to make the playoffs. I’ve been here before. These kids are great kids and will go through a wall for you.
“We’re having fun so far. But, like I told the kids, we have to stay humble and hungry.”
The Rattlers (2-1, 0-0) continue their march to the postseason Thursday, wrapping up non-district play against the Laredo Alexander Bulldogs (0-3, 0-0) at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center in Laredo.