Smithson Valley vs Reagan circa 2022 is pretty interesting regardless of the history.
The rivalry, once popularly known as the Town and Country Bowl, returns to the Alamodome Saturday, August 27th, as the opener of the new KSAT Pigskin Classic. Kickoff will be 11:30.
The Smithson Valley Rangers (9-3 in 2021) move from 6A to 5A thanks to the opening of Pieper High School and its drawing on their enrollment. This may hurt the Rangers down the road, but in 2022, the Rangers are state ranked and aspiring to their first advance past the second round since 2015 – a year they beat Reagan 17-7 in the first round. Colton Tomasson, a 6’8, 325 pound lineman who’ll play at Texas A&M, will lead an offense that has limited experience at other positions. WR Brayden Bafidis and defenders David de Hoyos and Gavin Woods will be speedsters.
Reagan (7-4, 7-1 in 28-6A in 2021) are also state ranked; they are seeking their first advance past the second round since 2014 – a year they beat Smithson Valley 21-14 in the first round. The Rattlers return six starters from a defense that gave up more than 14 points in a game only once in 2021. Bailey Fletcher, Matt Quick, Giuseppi Sessi, Jett Thompson, Carmelo Walley, and Caden Wright all bring veteran experience to the defense. Fourth-year letterman Carson Green (2800 career rushing yards) will be featured on offense, with sophomore second-year letterman running back Cole Pryor spelling him. Matt Velasco returns as one of the best kickers in the region.
Smithson Valley is 12-3 versus Reagan overall. Reagan’s second game in school history was a 35-0 loss at Ranger Field in 2000. Their most recent contest was a 24-20 Ranger win in the opening round of the 2020 playoffs at Comalander Stadium.
The KSAT Pigskin Classic matchup will be their third meeting at the Alamodome. Smithson Valley defeated Reagan 37-12 in the second game of the 2003 season 37-12 at the Dome. The Rangers defeated the Rattlers for a 2008 6A Region IV Champion there 19-14 in 2008.
Reagan’s three wins over the Rangers include district contests in 2006 (14-10) and 2008 (10-7), plus the playoff win in 2014 at Farris Stadium.
Mark Kusenberger
August 17, 2022
Read more from Mark on his blog at https://mkusenberger.wixsite.com/website/blog