The Tolar Rattlers have become a dynasty in small town Texas high school football within recent years. In 2023 the Rattlers were 2A-1 state runner-ups, coming short to Timpson under Jeremy Mullins who then left to go start the Eagle Mountain football program.
Then in 2024, coach Blake Mouser came in from 6A Austin Vandergriff to take over this snake farm. In 2024 Tolar was moved up to 3A-2, which for most schools would mean struggles to come. However, the Rattlers were prepared to prove themselves in their new division and district.
Blake Mouser was apart of Dave Campbells 40 under 40 coaching list that was released in July. This is a very highly respectable list to be apart of and when asked about it, Mouser was very humble saying “It just means I worked at good places.” Then continues to explain with that title it means you either turned a program around, but the Tolar football program was “already rockin’ and rollin’” so it also means if a coach can sustain that winning culture, which Mouser did.
The Rattlers went 11-2 overall with their only loses being the very first game against Peaster (10-0) and the very last game in regional round of playoffs against Holliday (46-20). The Rattlers won their district with two shutouts against Cedar Ridge and Vista Ridge and even one shutout in the post season against Bells.
The Rattlers have lots of positions opening up, with only 4 returners on each side of the ball. Key returners are quarterback Britton Rice, running back Kelvin Murray who is about to enter “his breakout year”, and wide reciever Dacen Watkins who Mouser explains as “one of the best receivers in district” with lots of talent.
The Tolar Rattlers football program goals this year are the same as every year Mouser says. These goals are making it to the post season, 100% passing in the classroom, and making it to the highly sought after Thanksgiving week game.
Stay tuned on NTX Varsity Sports Network to watch the snake farm grow their legacy and tradition of winning.
