Wheeler County Rattlers win first Championship, cap undefeated season

Rattlers down Triangle Lake Lakers 30-0, cement place in history

SISTERS – The Wheeler County Rattlers are the top 6-Man team in the state. The team hoisted the Oregon Six-Man Football trophy after holding Triangle Lake scoreless and controlling the championship game on Saturday at Sisters High School.

In front of an adoring crowd, the Rattlers again displayed a stingy defense – the Triangle Lake Lakers could not find paydirt, despite having several possessions inside the red zone.

The win in the championship game showcased Wheeler County’s toughness and endurance.

Spray Senior Thomas Chase said that after hard fought possessions at the beginning of the game, the Rattlers were able to wear down the Lakers. “We wanted it more,” Chase said after the game as the celebration broke out. “We’ve been at this for four years – if you would have told me a year ago that we would win the championship, I might not have believed it,” Chase said. “This is amazing.”

The 2021 season has been an historic one for the Wheeler County Rattlers. The team sensed that they were on the verge of being great in the abbreviated 2020 season played last spring. Once all of the pieces were put together, the team proved to be formidable.

As the team celebrated on the field with bubbles of Martinelli’s – fans posed for photos and gathered on the field and in the stands. Wheeler County residents past and present shared the victory with the team.

Soaking it all up was Rattler Head Coach Jerry Anderson and assistants Jon McMurray and Darrell Yount.

Pointing to the crowd, coach Anderson held the trophy and said “this is for you!”