Tanner found its offense on Friday night.
After facing some frustrations finding the end zone during the first half of the 2024 season, the Rattlers exploded against Belgreen to pick up its first win, 47-13.
“It’s definitely a morale booster,” said Tanner’s Matt Smith, who secured his first win as the team’s coach. “It goes to show that the stuff that we’ve been working on in practice and what we’re putting a lot of time and effort into is starting to come through. They’re starting to trust the process and we’re getting the right people in the right places to make plays.”
Tanner (1-4), which had scored only one touchdown this season, was led by Matt Fletcher’s four scores, three of which came on offense and one on defense.
The Rattlers, who scored all of their points in the first half, found the end zone early and often to establish a firm lead against Belgreen (2-2). Fletcher’s four scores were complemented by two touchdowns from Cam Case and a long touchdown run by Isaiah Pryor.
To make Friday’s win a bit more special, Smith said the Rattlers were without a double-digit number of starters and dressed only 24 players, all of whom played. Of the many underclassmen who made an impact, Javen Carter recorded his first career interception.
“The guys are able to see now how their hard work is paying off, and the time and effort they’re putting into it watching film and practicing, and the blood, sweat and tears they’ve put into the first half of the season, paid off tonight,” Smith said. “This is something they can build on and try to capitalize more on down the road.”
Tanner returns home next week to face Clements in a non-region game.