Preseason Review Featuring: Reagan Rattlers

The Reagan Rattlers, a Texas football powerhouse, finished the 2024 season 7-4 overall and 6-1 in district play. Led by Head Coach Lyndon Hamilton, the Rattlers had a strong season, showcasing their trademark physicality and discipline. Their playoff run ended in a tough loss to the Brennan Bears, cutting short a promising campaign. Following Hamilton's return to Gonzales as head coach, longtime Defensive Coordinator Preston Meyer was promoted to lead the program in 2025. With Meyer's defensive mindset and continuity, the Rattlers are expected to remain a top tier contender in the state. Here are some of the playmakers for the rattlers to be on the look out for:   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Reagan Rattlers Football Schedule</h3>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Aug 29 – vs Brennan</li>   <li>Sept 5 – @ Steele</li>   <li>Sept 12 – @ Temple</li>   <li>Sept 27 – @ SA Roosevelt*</li>   <li>Oct 3 – @ Madison*</li>   <li>Oct 10 – @ Johnson*</li>   <li>Oct 17 – vs LEE*</li>   <li>Oct 24 – @ Churchill*</li>   <li>Oct 31 – vs Clark*</li>   <li>Nov 6 – @ Brandeis*</li> </ul>    Rayshun is a dynamic back with a natural feel for the game. He runs with balance, vision, and toughness between the tackles, but what sets him apart is his burst through the hole and ability to make defenders miss in open space. He's got great short area quickness and doesn't waste movement every cut has purpose. Rayshun isn't just a one-dimensional runner; he's shown the ability to catch out of the backfield and block when needed, making him a true every-down threat. With continued development, he has the tools to be one of the top backs in the area.     RC is the kind of tight end every offense needs physical at the point of attack and willing to do the dirty work in the trenches. As a blocker, he sets the edge with power and consistency, using strong hands and solid footwork to control defenders. He's a true asset in the run game, often functioning like an extra offensive lineman. But don't let the blocking fool you RC can also be a reliable weapon in the passing game. He has soft hands, runs clean routes, and knows how to find space in the defense. With his toughness and versatility, RC brings value on every down and is the type of tight end who helps win football games.     Henry is an explosive edge rusher with a motor that doesn't stop. He fires off the ball with great get off, consistently putting offensive tackles on their heels. What stands out most is his ability to bend and flatten toward the quarterback a trait that's hard to teach. Henry plays with relentless energy, using a combination of speed, leverage, and hand technique to disrupt plays in the backfield.   He's also shown the ability to hold his ground against the run, making him a complete defender off the edge. With continued growth and polish, Henry has the potential to become a nightmare for opposing offenses at the next level.     Cole is a disciplined, linebacker who plays with toughness, leadership, and a relentless motor. He diagnoses plays quickly and takes smart angles to the football, rarely finding himself out of position. Cole excels against the run, delivering clean, physical tackles while showing the ability to shed blocks and finish. In coverage, he's dependable reading the quarterback well and keeping tight leverage in zone. His commitment to Army speaks volumes about his character and work ethic, and with offers from Midwestern State, Air Force, and Navy, it's clear that schools value not just his talent, but also his discipline and leadership qualities.     Caedmon may not have the prototypical size, but he plays with a chip on his shoulder and a toughness that sets the tone in the trenches. At 5'11", he uses great leverage and technique to win matchups against bigger defenders. His footwork is clean, his hands are active, and he shows the ability to stay square and finish blocks with authority. Caedmon plays with grit and intelligence, often identifying stunts and blitzes before they develop. Whether it's opening lanes in the run game or holding firm in pass protection, he brings consistency and heart to every snap. Don't let the measurable fool you Caedmon is a technician with the mindset of a mauler.     Andre is a reliable and confident kicker who brings consistency and poise to special teams. He shows excellent technique and a smooth, repeatable swing that allows him to deliver under pressure. Andre has solid range, with the ability to hit from 45+ yards, and he's dependable on extra points and kickoffs.   What stands out most is his mental toughness he stays calm in big moments and doesn't shy away from game-deciding kicks. As he continues to develop leg strength and refine his mechanics, Andre has the potential to become one of the top specialists in the area. He's a weapon teams can trust when the game is on the line.     Ricky is a physical, instinctive defensive back who thrives in both man and zone coverage. He plays with confidence and discipline, using quick feet and smooth hips to stay tight in coverage. Ricky has a natural feel for reading quarterbacks and breaking on the ball, often putting himself in position to make plays. He's not afraid to come downhill and deliver a hit in run support, showing toughness and willingness to tackle in space. With his combination of awareness, athleticism, and physicality, Ricky is the kind of DB who can lock down a side of the field and set the tone for a defense.       Jace is a poised and confident quarterback who started his varsity career at O'Connor High School before transferring to Reagan. He possesses a strong arm with the ability to make all the throws, showing particular accuracy on intermediate and deep routes. Jace has good pocket presence, staying calm under pressure and demonstrating the ability to extend plays with his mobility when the pocket collapses.   His decision making has improved steadily, balancing aggressiveness with smart reads. The transfer to Reagan gives him a fresh opportunity to lead a dynamic offense, and with continued growth, Jace has the tools to be a game changer at the high school level.     Jykel is a versatile and athletic defensive back who brings a high level of energy and competitiveness to the field. He has quick feet and fluid hips, allowing him to mirror receivers effectively in man coverage. Jykel reads the quarterback well and has a knack for making plays on the ball, whether it's a timely break-up or an interception. He's also reliable in run support, showing solid tackling technique and fearlessness in traffic. With his blend of speed, instincts, and physicality, Jykel projects as a lockdown corner or a ball hawking safety at the next level.    With a mix of veteran leadership, emerging young talent, and a coaching staff that knows how to win, the Reagan Rattlers are poised to be a real threat in 2025. If they can stay healthy and build off last year's momentum, don't be surprised if this team makes a serious push deep into the playoffs. The pieces are there now it's time to put it all together under the Friday night lights.

The Reagan Rattlers, a Texas football powerhouse, finished the 2024 season 7-4 overall and 6-1 in district play. Led by Head Coach Lyndon Hamilton, the Rattlers had a strong season, showcasing their trademark physicality and discipline. Their playoff run ended in a tough loss to the Brennan Bears, cutting short a promising campaign. Following Hamilton's return to Gonzales as head coach, longtime Defensive Coordinator Preston Meyer was promoted to lead the program in 2025. With Meyer's defensive mindset and continuity, the Rattlers are expected to remain a top tier contender in the state. Here are some of the playmakers for the rattlers to be on the look out for: