O-line key to Rattlers’ success

Magazine is off to a 4-1 start, which includes a 48-19 win over preseason conference favorite Hector last week.

But that’s no real surprise to Rattlers coach Doug Powell.

“We’re kinda sitting close to where I hoped we would be,” Powell said. “We have a lot of good players back, a lot more speed and a lot more skill than last year. But we’ve got more linemen and in better shape. That’s the biggest difference right now.

“We lost some good kids, but we’ve added hundreds of pounds on the line. Those other guys gave all they had, but they’re 165. Now we’ve got guys who are 250. And we’re reaping the benefits of that line play.”

All-conference fullback Caleb Hyatt leads a group of quality backs. Junior Tatum Scott brings speed and athleticism to the quarterback position.

“Caleb is good about getting those extra yards,” Powell said. “He fights and gets those consistently. Friday at Hector, they weren’t going to let him do much, and he still had 60-something yards on 15 carries. But that opened everybody else up.”

Senior Bryce McDowell (6-0, 280), a three-year starter, anchors the offensive line. He moved from center to tackle this season. Junior William King (6-0, 225) is the only other returning starter on the line, and he moved from tackle to guard this year.

Magazine’s lone loss to this point was 33-32 to Cutter Morning Star, but the Rattlers turned the ball over late in their territory.

Powell, who is in his 15th season at Magazine, has battled low numbers like many other schools around the state. He decided this year to not play a junior high schedule and move up seven freshmen to the high school team, which gives him 33 on the roster.

“We’re playing some JV and getting them some work that way,” Powell said. “They’re also getting work on special teams. I think those things are helping us right now and hopefully set us up for next year for some of those guys to contribute.”