NAVASOTA FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Navasota Rattlers will be looking for another trip to the playoffs as they get ready to start their third season under Head Coach Trey Allen.

Last season, the Rattlers finished 8-4 overall, and 3-2 in district competition. In the playoffs, they crushed North Forest 56-12, before losing a nailbiter to Bridge City 28-27.

Realignment back in February saw Navasota keep some of the same teams in their district, while they will welcome in some new faces to the mix. The Rattlers will be playing in District 11-4A Division I along with Bay City, Brookshire Royal, El Campo, Needville, Sealy, and West Columbia.

Dave Campbell's Texas Football has the Rattlers ranked #16 in their preseason Class 4A Division I poll.

As for the district, Bay City is projected to finished first, then Navasota, followed by Sealy, El Campo, Needville, West Columbia, and Brookshire Royal.

According to DCTF, the Rattlers will return seven starters on offense and four starters on defense.

Navasota brings back a high-powered offense from last season that will be led by senior QB Jace Jablonski. Last year, Jablonski completed 202 out of 326 pass attempts for 3,183 yards, and 41 touchdowns to just nine interceptions.

Senior RB Kyn'Navion Chappell had a big season with 222 carries for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns. That is an average of 5.8 yards per carry.

Junior WR Jayden Spriggs will be counted on to lead the receiving corps this year. As a sophomore last season, he had 55 receptions for 826 yards, which averages out to 15 yards per catch, and 10 touchdowns.

Senior LB Davyn Torres is the top returner on defense after registering 84 tackles, including eight tackles for loss last season.

Other Players to Watch include OL Mason Warren, and WR/DB Kris Knighton. Meanwhile, WR/DB Caysien Douglas and TE/LB Quincy McLean were named as Top Juniors on the team.

The Rattlers will open up the season on Friday, August 28, at the La Grange Leopards. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.