Tolar Football Preview

At this point last year, the Tolar Rattlers had lost a quarterback and a center to season-ending injuries.

So for head coach Jeremy Mullins, the offseason has been a success.

“We’ve done a better job of keeping our kids fresh,” he said. “I think we’re in a good position there, that we have improved over the last couple of weeks.”’

This year, the challenge – hopefully – won’t be to replace injured players, but to replace those that have graduated. That means there’s a chance for some new faces to make an impact in 2019 and help the Rattlers improve on their 4-6 record in 2018.

“It’s a weird year as far as, there’s flexibility in who’s up and who’s down week to week,” Mullins said. “There’s nothing set in stone in a few positions. After this week I’m sure we’ll have a more solid grasp on some of that stuff.”

Here’s what the Rattlers will bring to the field this year.

VERSATILE OFFENSE

Senior Wesley Miller, listed at 155 pounds, will take over at quarterback for Tolar after primarily playing wide receiver in 2019.

“Wesley’s the guy,” Mullins said. “He has done well, improved weekly.

“He’s very intelligent, athletic-wise. He’s a very intelligent football player, both offensively and defensively.”

Miller is mobile enough to pose problems for defenses – Mullins described him as a “third running back that can throw.”

He’ll share the backfield with a rotating cast of backs led by senior Braegan Berry, who is the lone returner at running back from last year. Colton Tuggle, another back, has turned heads in fall practice.

“Tuggle’s a sophomore who I think will have a big year,” Mullins said. “He brings a little speed to the position, runs well.”

Freshman Brock Owens will play with the varsity against Crawford.

Seth Carroll and Brett Jackson, both seniors, bring height to the outside receiver position. Jackson has had a “really good fall,” Mullins said.

Reese Robinson is the leading returner at receiver, but has a hamstring injury that has kept him out of scrimmages. He might be able to play this weekend, and getting him back will be an “added bonus,” Mullins said.

James Marshall returns as a senior to lead the offensive line, and at a listed 310 pounds, he’s a physical presence up front. Kobe Parker also saw time on the line last year and will start as a junior.

Senior Bannon Stump came on strong as a junior and will start as a senior. Jasen Stephens is a sophomore that “has a great motor on him, both offensively and defensively,” according to Mullins, and he’ll be the starting center. Landon Galindo, a sophomore, finishes out the offensive line.

TWO-WAY GUYS

With the exception of Seth Carroll at defensive end, the majority of the defensive line is the same as the offensive line. That’s a common theme for Tolar, as nearly every position is filled by a two-way player.

“When you’re at the 3A level, it is what it is,” Mullins said. “That’s the name of the game, is to stay as healthy as you can, and at the same time you gotta have some guys that know a couple of positions.”

“They gotta go both ways. Gotta have a little toughness to us.

Brett Jackson and Braegan Berry are standouts at linebacker. Miller will start at free safety, which Mullins acknowledged is a risk.

“Maybe you don’t want your quarterback having to go both ways, and we’ve been fortunate the last few years, but he’s too good of an athlete,” Mullins said.

Junior Macaine Tucker, who will also be a rotation player at receiver, will start at one of the cornerback spots. Robinson, when healthy, will take the other spot.

FAMILIAR OPPONENT

Tolar’s first opponents this year, the Crawford Pirates, are no stranger to the Rattlers. Crawford beat Tolar 40-14 in the season opener last year and 26-6 in the first game of 2017.

“It’ll be a challenge,” Mullins said. “They’ve had our number the last few years, so it’d be nice to have theirs one time.”

The Pirates run a smash-mouth version of the split-back formation, something that’s been a part of their program for years.

In order to combat the heavy rushing attack, Mullins said Tolar’s new “stack” defense, a version of the 3-3-5, will nearly resemble a 5-3 formation, with eight men in the box ready to stop the run.

Mullins said the Rattlers hope to get athletes in space against the Crawford defense. Miller will have the ability to run or throw, depending on the looks the Pirates give him.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Crawford.

grant@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066 ext. 254