Staff report
Struggles continue to mount for the Hays Rebels after the team dropped its fifth game in a row Friday at Chaparral Stadium.
A 30-point first quarter barrage from the Westlake Chaparrals proved a hill too cumbersome for the Hays Rebels to climb as they fell 44-14.
With the loss, Hays (1-5, 0-2) drops its fifth consecutive game, which is the team’s longest losing streak in six seasons. Hays’ 1-5 start is the second worst since an 0-6 start to the 2009 campaign.
Hays’ defense couldn’t corral Westlake quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who returned from a knee injury to throw for 222 yards and four scores in roughly a half of play.
Ehlinger, who went 12 of 17 in the game, helped spearhead Westlake’s initial 30 point outburst in the first frame. The Chaparrals tallied an additional 14 points in the second quarter to take a commanding 44-0 lead at halftime.
Helping Ehlinger was running back Nakia Watson, who rushed for 88 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns.
Hays’ offense, however, struggled to generate consistency in its run game, as they amassed 34 yards on the ground. Sophomore running back Thailand Mayberry led the team with 24 yards rushing on three carries.
The Rebels found success through the air as Tyler Conley went 14 of 30 for 193 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Conley supported junior quarterback Gentry Brawith, who exited the game in the first half with an injury.
Hays’ two scores in the game came in the fourth quarter, as Conley tossed touchdown passes to wide receiver Marquis Howard and senior wide receiver Conner Musick.
Musick led the team with 70 yards and five receptions.
