The Hays Rebels remained unbeaten Friday with a dominant 56-21 homecoming win over the Akins Eagles, thanks in part to a strong performance on both offense and defense.

Rebels senior tailback Sam Scott led the team with three rushing touchdowns in the game and finished with 78 yards rushing on nine carries.

Other key contributors were senior fullback Nash Danford, who tallied two touchdowns, and senior Devin Hines, who had seven carries for 66 yards and one touchdown.

While Hays’ (5-0, 3-0) offense consistently moved the ball on the ground, they also found success through the air via well-schemed, big impact passing plays.

Hays Rebels defensive back Jaidon Bialaszewski scans the field after intercepting a pass in the second quarter of Friday’s game against Akins. (Photo by Nathan Latsha)

Senior quarterback Xavier Martinez finished the game 10 of 11 passing for 158 yards and a rushing touchdown. Senior Nathan Tate led the Rebels with two catches for 85 yards, which included a 68-yard catch in the first half.

Akins (3-3, 1-3) was able to get an early lead on Hays with a 9-yard touchdown run on the first drive of the game.

Hays responded by scoring 35 unanswered points to close the first half.

The big momentum shift happened in the second quarter when senior defensive back Jaidon Bialaszewski intercepted Eagles quarterback Nick Cagle on back-to-back drives to end the half.

The Rebel offense scored 28 points in the second frame, including two touchdowns with under three minutes remaining.

Hays led 35-7 at halftime and outscored Akins 21-14 the rest of the way.

Hays will have a short week to prepare for a road contest against Austin High at House Park. Kickoff is scheudled for Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.