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“It’s pretty cool,� Rattler said Wednesday. “Hometown team. Want to go out and have a good showing.�

The Saints recently named the Pinnacle High School graduate and Phoenix native the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. He’ll take the field Sunday against the Cardinals in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

New Saints coach Kellen Moore announced Rattler had won the starting role Aug. 26.

“He’s done an awesome job this offseason,� Moore told reporters. “He’s just been consistent. He’s made some really good decisions throughout this whole entire process and his ability to make plays with his arm and his feet have certainly shown up.�

Rattler is entering his second season with the Saints after they selected him in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, Rattler started six out of the seven games he saw action in following injuries to starter Derek Carr.

Rattler spent his formative years in the Valley, playing four years of football for the Pioneers under longtime coach Dana Zupke.

During Rattler’s time at Pinnacle, Zupke saw flashes of stardom that he knew could someday translate at the highest level.

“I’ve known (Rattler) for a long time, I’ve known this phenom that he was,� Zupke said. “He was kind of like what I would expect an NFL-type quarterback to be at an early age.�

Zupke still remains in contact with Rattler and finds joy in watching him continue to grow as a player. Zupke was thrilled to hear that he had landed the starting job.

“I texted him right away,� Zupke said. “I just told him I was proud of him. … I’m one of those kinds (of coaches). … I just become a fan. I don’t have any words of wisdom. He knows a lot more than I do at this point. I just get to say, ‘Hey, I got to coach this guy.’�

After beginning his NFL career with a season full of lineup turmoil, Rattler enters the 2025 season with the assurance of knowing he earned the starting position and has the full backing of Moore.

“I’m really, really excited about Spencer,� Moore said. “He’s earned this opportunity, he’s going to do a tremendous job for us.�

Moore’s praise of Rattler echoes a growing sentiment among many close to the organization, notably Saints Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees.

“I think (Rattler) is very talented,� Brees said on the “Blogging the Boys� podcast. “I think he can do a lot of things. I think he throws the ball really well, I think he’s a dynamic player.�

Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 10 a.m.