Friday, April 19, 2024
The 2A Tolar Rattlers hosted the 3A Boyd Yellowjackets for their home opener Friday night.
The Tolar fan base is well known for supporting its team both on the road but especially at home.
Several steps were implemented in order to ensure compliance with UIL rules related to social distancing for the 2020 season.
First the band members, who normally are in the north section of the stands, were moved to the north end zone where they themselves were spread apart in chairs. Being located far away did nothing to diminish their sound, and they rocked it out all game long.
Second, families were encouraged to sit together in “pods” so that you stay together with the people that you came to the game with but social distance from the family or group next to you.
This was self policed in the stands and seemed to work very well with the limited number of tickets issued.
Finally temperature and mandatory mask wearing were enforced for entrance to the stadium, and fans were very compliant with wearing masks while they sat in the stands and got their favorite snacks, burgers and hot dogs at halftime.
The Boyd Yellowjackets came into the game with an undefeated record and would be a tough test for the young Tolar Rattlers.
The Rattler defense played stiffly throughout the first half while giving up only a handful of 10+ yard plays.
The Rattlers were poised to go into halftime with only a two-touchdown deficit and had backed Boyd up to their own 5-yard line when Boyd was able to break loose for a 95-yard run.
Score at the half was 20-0, and the second half was another tough test for the Rattlers with the eventual final score of 41-0.
Tolar will again be at home this Friday night for its final pre-district game against yet another undefeated 3A team in the Comanche Indians.
Kickoff will be at 7:30 with all the same UIL guidelines in place for social distancing.
