By Spencer Spilman
The Hays Rebels had a tough task Friday night as they hosted the Westlake Chaparrals at Shelton Stadium.
While the Rebels fought hard until the end, the Chaps’ offense proved too much as they easily handled the game on their way to a 55-3 win.
The Rebels had several long drives, aided by Cade Powell, who broke through for some long runs. But the Rebel offense stalled near the end zone and they were unable to break the goal line all game.
Hays head coach Neal LaHue was proud of the team’s effort, but said the Chaps were able to convert too many big plays that led to the final score.
“We gave up too many big plays on third and fourth down,” said Lahue. “I’m still really proud of the way our kids fought tonight, but Westlake is a really good team.”
Westlake quarterback and University of Texas-Austin commit Sam Ehlinger put on a show for Westlake. He finished the night with over 350 yards and six passing touchdowns to go with his one rushing touchdown.
He scored with four different receivers and the Chaps also added an interception return for a touchdown.
Hays had their chances throughout the game, starting on the opening drive of the game. After a big return on the opening kickoff from Patrick Guerrero, the Rebels drive stalled in Westlake territory.
The Rebels bright spot was the run game. Hays exploited the rush defense of the Chaps with Powell running behind a solid offensive line.
“I just tried to take what they were giving me,” Powell said. “I just want to give all the credit to our offensive line.”
Hays gained its best field position on the night later in the game. It followed a Westlake miscue when a snap was launched over the punter. Hays drove the ball inside the 10-yard line, but failed to convert on a fourth down.
Hays only score of the game came on its long-est drive of the contest.
A 13-play drive dominated by a healthy dose of Powell on the ground, along with one penalty to keep the drive alive, led to a 36-yard field goal by Jax Kell.
Although the result wasn’t what the Rebels wanted, there were still some bright spots.
The defense forced Ehlinger and the Chaps in to multiple third and fourth and long situations and that is where the big plays came from. They converted on almost every single third and fourth down.
Hays will travel to Austin to face off with Bowie on Friday before returning home for the regular season finale against Akins.