By Spencer Spilman
Playoff hopes were on the line Friday as the Hays Rebels and the Vista Ridge Rangers squared off in a thrilling district tilt that had several lead changes in the final quarter.
But a late Vista Ridge touchdown proved to be the difference as the Rangers claimed a 46-43 win over Hays.
With the loss, Hays (3-6, 3-3) must defeat Vandegrift Friday and receive help to reach the playoffs.
The first half was not an indicator of things to come as turnovers from both teams and missed Vista Ridge opportunities led to a low scoring half.
Rangers’ quarterback Jacob Taute threw two touchdown passes in the first half, but both times Vista Ridge failed to convert the two-point conversion attempt.
The Rebel defense also had two fourth-down stops against the Ranger offense.
Hays’ quarterback Tyler Conley answered with two touchdown passes. He connected with wide receivers Marquis Howard and Pat Guerrero, which helped Hays take a 14-12 lead at halftime.
Both offenses showed how much they wanted to earn the final playoff spot. The third quarter, however, belonged to Vista Ridge.
Taute threw two additional touchdowns in the third quarter to Samuel Waldum, who had three touchdown catches in the game.
Vista Ridge added a third score to take a 32-14 lead going into the final 12 minutes.
The Rebel offense turned on the jets in the fourth quarter.
Rebel running back Thailand Mayberry rushed for his first of two touchdowns early in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 32-22.
Hays then forced and recovered a fumble on the Rangers’ next drive.
After the fumble, the Rebels dug deep in the playbook and succeeded when backup quarterback Isaac Castilleja connected with wide receiver Tyrone Meredith on a triple reverse pass for a 45-yard touchdown.
Vista Ridge answered quickly with another touchdown pass from Taute, who finished with five passing scores in the contest.
Hays needed just one play on the ensuing drive to answer. A 75-yard pass from Conley to Howard brought the Rebels back within three points at 39-36.
Vista Ridge came back with a long drive, but Rebels’ Jason Fowler came up with a timely interception that he ran back all the way to the Rangers’ 20-yard line.
Mayberry broke a 20-yard run on the ensuing play, which gave Hays a 43-39 lead.
Vista Ridge, however, delivered the knockout blow on the next drive. Following a big kickoff return, the Rangers organized a quick four play drive that was capped off by Taute’s sixth touchdown of the game.
A nine-yard run gave the Rangers the lead once again at 46-43.
Hays tried to answer with its longest drive of the game. The Rebels moved the ball all the way into Vista Ridge territory and had the ball inside the 30-yard line.
The drive stalled, and Hays was unable to convert on fourth down.
