In Navasota, Texas, a winning legacy has come full circle
with the 2012 State football semi-finalists. That Rattler
spirit is in their blood because some are related to the
1988 State semi-finalists who competed before them.
that his team was "different because they loved each oth-
er, had tremendous camaraderie, and did not care who
got the credit because they were unified in spirit." Dacus
loves this team because they never gave up and were a
phenomenal team to coach. He adds that, "though they
lost the state championship game, they walked off the
field as winners."
Dacus immediately mentioned talent and leadership. He
says that they "passed on a desire, a work ethic, and a
`Never Say Die' attitude." Most importantly, he adds that
they were unselfish, hard-disciplined, and enjoyed being
together. He feels like the 2012 team drew from and used
the experiences of the 1988 team. "It's no coincidence.
There is a connection," he agreed.
the community. He encouraged the current team to be
thankful for their God-given ability and enjoy this epic
time. He concludes, "Remember how the community
came together for a common goal and you were the rea-
son."
similar qualities in his 2012 Rattlers. This team has
"chemistry because they act like brothers, spending time
outside of football with each other, and have talent in
all positions. No one kid puts himself in front." They
are unified. When a key player was injured this year, he
encouraged the others to "step up on defense and play
for him, heart and soul." They did and self lessness was
personified.
ers. The Navasota fans are early, their side is packed, and
both fans and players "feed off each others' enthusiasm."
Sonny Soltis, the only staff member who has coached
both teams, jokes that he sometimes mistakenly calls a
current player by his dad's name. He feels "a relationship
to them because there's a history there." He agrees a con-
nection exists because both never complained; they en-
joyed being together and have been fun teams to coach.
While some coaches never reach State, Soltis has been
"honored to be there twice with the same team," only a
generation apart.
the Rattlers to remember the fun. Years from now, they
will recall "playing as brothers, the bus rides, and best
tackles. We are making unforgettable memories, and we
ning back breaking his leg the day
before State finals, the 2012 Rat-
tlers stayed unified and beat the
Gilmer Buckeyes 39-3 at Cowboy
Stadium. This legacy has come full
circle. Let the next one begin!