The Smithson Valley Rangers lost to Reagan 10-7 in the first district game of the season. Photo by Sam Roberts Photography

By Pat Turner
Contributing Writer

Smithson Valley faced a different situation during this week’s preparation. For the first time since 2005, the Rangers went into their workouts with a 0-1 record in district play.

Although the 10-7 loss to Reagan in the 26-5A opener put the Rangers in that situation, their focus isn’t on the setback, but trying to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

After all, there’s eight games remaining and consistency must be present to handle the grind.

The next test comes from New Braunfels, which is coming off a 24-21 loss to Madison.

The game is by no means crucial for either team, but a 1-1 mark would put the team in better shape.

“Obviously every week you either gain ground or lose ground,” Smithson Valley coach Larry Hill said. “But it is an eight-week race. I don’t know if this week is the ultimate game anymore than last week. But obviously we need to win.”

Hill would like to see the recovery the Rangers put together after the 14-10 loss to Churchill in 2005, Smithson Valley ran the table the rest of the way and advanced to the Class 5A Division II semifinals before losing to Katy, 17-14.

First off, they have to get through the current tests. District 26-5A is loaded with contenders. Reagan made a strong statement with its showing. Impressive performances are also coming from Madison, MacArthur and Roosevelt.

Despite the loss to Madison, New Braunfels, which advanced to the Division I semifinals in Class 4A a year ago, is also in that number.

New Braunfels causes several concerns. The Unicorns’ offense has a solid combination in quarterback in John Simmons and running back Justin Garcia, while the defense is well-rounded with playmakers.

“New Braunfels plays at a high level,” Hill said. “They execute well on defense and the offense has really been efficient. They have moved the ball on everybody. They have a good passing game and a solid running game. Their quarterback is well poised. He’s made big plays with his feet as well as throwing the football.”

The Rangers’ main concern is making things happen in a big way in all phases of the game. That ability never surfaced against Reagan.

Offensively, Smithson Valley started with a 70-yard scoring drive, capped by Jacob Brown’s four-yard touchdown pass to Matt Hilston. The Rangers had other ball-control drives, but nothing materialized as far points go.

Reagan wasn’t setting the world on fire either as Smithson Valley’s defense kept holding off threats. In the closing minute, the Rattlers got their chance.

Thanks to two Smithson Valley penalties and Zach Bean’s interception, the Rattlers had a final opportunity to stage a comeback.

Quarterback Derrick Walls made it work by hurling a 27-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Witte with 57 seconds remaining.

“We’re trying to make more impact plays,” Hill said. “The biggest thing the other night was there weren’t any game-changing plays in any phase. We didn’t give up many points, but we didn’t do well defensively on third down. We had almost 55 snaps of offense and dominated time of possession, but we had one play over 15 yards.

“It’s hard to make a living on 13-14 play drives. We were coming off a game where we had eight plays in the kicking game and we had one. It was an odd game. It wasn’t we didn’t play well. We just didn’t make any significant game-changing plays. That’s something we are focusing in on this week.

“In the same conversation you have to say when play good people sometimes they don’t let you make big plays.”