By Briana 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 endzone.
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.
But Anderson fought their way back as they reeled off 10 straight points to cut the Rebel lead to 15-10.
Hays responded with a touchdown pass from Castilleja to Gandy. That score along with another two point conversion gave Hays a 23-10 lead at halftime.
Teamwork between Castilleja and Gandy continued throughout the game, as Gandy carried the ball across the end zone for a second time before the night was through.
