Hays Rebels (1-0) vs. Georgetown Eagles (1-0)
When: Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex
Last week: Hays 35, Boerne Champion 3; Georgetown 42, Westwood 21
Last meeting (2014): Georgetown 49, Hays 40
Players to watch
Hays: QB Braeden Kent, RB Cody Gandy, WR Dustin Bruno, WR Austin Maulding, WR Brandon Hunter, OL Logan Pool, DL Dale Caswell, DL Johnson Elrod, LB Coby Brown, LB Taylor Friesenhahn, DB Ty Wilder, DB Josh Saucedo
Georgetown: RB Cakota Cahill, WR Ja’vonta Grimble, QB Chandler Herman, RB Jamel Powell, LB Jace Arrieta, LB Andrew Olson, DB Eric Grasso
Intangibles:
If last season’s wild 49-40 finish was any indication, fans can expect another memorable Hays/Georgetown game in 2015. It’s bolstered by the fact that both offenses last week put up impressive numbers in blowout wins. The Rebel offense excelled for the better part of a quarter, but it remains to be seen is if they can keep up that pace. Look for Kent to lead the offense, with Bruno and other wide outs to provide support. Gandy could become a factor to help lead drives, but can the Rebels finish them? They’ll go up against a Georgetown defense that gave up almost 500 yards of offense against Westwood. But it’s Georgetown’s offense that could prove a challenge for a Hays defense. The Eagles amassed 470 yards of offense last week, with most of it stemming from Powell. Grimble played a big factor for Georgetown by gaining 133 yards on six receptions.
Lehman Lobos vs. McCallum Knights
When: Friday, Sept. 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Bastrop 47, Lehman 14; Anderson 28, McCallum 14
Last meeting (2014): McCallum 49, Lehman 42
Players to watch
Lehman: QB Jacob Zamora, RB Brian Mendoza, QB/RB Jeremiah Brown, RB Nate Santos, WR Jonathan Whited, WR Chastin Evans, WR Keaton Miles, DL Cody Richter, LB Kacey Santos, DB Austin Lakey, DB Edward Arana
McCallum: RB Jojo Hardeway, QB Carter Fowler, WR JB Faught, WR Darian Fisher, WR Jonah Smith, DE Denzale Banks, DB Sage Birrell
Intangibles:
Defense was at a premium in last year’s Lehman/McCallum game. Both teams went toe-to-toe in a 91-point slugfest. While both teams may not be able to replicate that success, Friday’s game is important as both teams attempt to avoid an 0-2 start. The Lobos must find a way to generate offense, and get it rolling quickly; the Lobos didn’t score a point against Bastrop until the fourth quarter. Zamora threw for 100 yards but must be more effective through the air. To aid him, Lehman’s rush offense must rely on Brown and Mendoza to shoulder the load and keep pressure off Zamora. It could prove a challenge against a McCallum defense that limited Anderson to less than 300 yards of total offense last week. Perhaps the bright spot is the Knight offense is also working to rectify early struggles. The Knights could only muster 209 total yards last week. Provided the Lobos avoid turnovers, and limit the big plays, Lehman could find success in their home opener.
