By Brianna Amaro
The Hays Rebels earned their third straight win in a row after they paved the way to a 29-16 victory over the Anderson Trojans Friday at Bob Shelton Stadium.
Defense played a large role early on as a majority of the first quarter remained scoreless. Hays (4-2, 3-1 in 14-6A) broke the stalemate as they were guided by wide receiver Dustin Bruno. A 30-yard punt return by Bruno helped set the Rebels up for their first touchdown of the night.
Hays quarterback Issaac Castilleja found Bruno for a 41-yard touchdown pass to give Hays a 7-0 lead. The Rebels padded their lead a few minutes later.
An approximately 18-yard run by Cody Gandy, followed by an Anderson (2-4, 0-4) personal foul penalty, put Hays within reach of the end zone.
A 12-yard touchdown run from running back Cade Powell, followed by a two point conversion by quarterback Cody Reilley, gave the Rebels a 15-0 lead at the start of the second quarter.
Anderson fought its way back in the second quarter. An interception returned by defensive back Eric Slatter put the ball back into Hays territory.
Hays regained possession as Anderson failed to put numbers on the board. But a fumble by Gandy was quickly recovered by Anderson.
But the Rebel defense countered by putting pressure on the Trojan offense. The tactic forced Anderson into a 23-yard field goal.
“We have to put pressure on the quarterback, or at least enough to make him make a misread,” said Hays linebacker Kendall Stovall.
Anderson responded by concocting a 99 yard drive in a series of 12 plays to cut the Rebels’ lead to 15-10.
A touchdown pass from Castilleja to Gandy, followed by another two-point conversion, gave Hays a 23-10 lead at halftime.
“We’ve got a great running back in (Gandy), so opening up those holes, it just allows us to smash the defense…in our run game,” offensive lineman Logan Pool said.
Gandy added another touchdown in the third quarter, giving Hays a 29-10 advantage. That drive was highlighted by a play where Gandy recovered a missed hand off from Castilleja, but still managed to pass the ball roughly 25 yards to Bruno.
A 75-yard interception return by Slatter gave Anderson their next score. Several minutes later, another interception by Anderson put the ball near the Rebel end zone. But a strong Hays defense held the Trojans back to put the game away.
“I think our kids have done a great job,” said head coach Neal LaHue. “We like to run the ball and throw it, so it’s been a good mix for us so far.”
Hays will play Austin High at House Park next Friday. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
