Rattlers Clinton Marquez runs for the end zone pylon for the score during Friday night's 36-13 win over the Clayton Yellowjackets.

The Rattler offense exploded in the second half for a 36-13 over Clayton at Tucumcari.

In their final home game of the regular season the Rattlers (5-3) scored at will during the second half following a 6-0 first half — thanks to an 8-yard run by Cameron Montano.

Rattlers quarterback Dalton Wood threw for three touchdowns, 12 yards to Jantzen Dranell, 64 yards to Jakus Martinez and 15 yards to Clinton Marquez.

“They had to respect both sides of the field,” Wood said. “Jantzen really stepped it up tonight and having George Montano back on the field opened Jakus up.”

Wood said he had been overthrowing Martinez all night and saw he was in one-on-one coverage when he connected with him for the score.

“We were able to get the match-ups we wanted in the secondary,” Martinez said. “It just took us a little bit to get into synch.”

Wood also rushed for one touchdown and two 2-point conversions.

The Rattlers defense allowed only two Yellowjackets (1-6) touchdowns late in the second half. Both were scored by running back Jorge Gonzales, on rushes of 2 and 72 yards.

“The guys played great on defense all night long,” said Rattlers head coach Daniel Hutchins. “Offense was a little flat coming out but I think the festivities of senior parent night had a lot to do with that.”

The Rattlers are on the road for the last two district games of the season. First up is the Texico Wolverines.

“We just need to come out strong,” Martinez said.

“Play our game,” Woods said. “Go in there ready to take care of business.”