Looking ahead
Hays Rebels (4-2, 3-1) at Austin Maroons (3-2, 1-2)
When: Friday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: House Park
Last week: Hays 29, Anderson 16; Austin 28, Akins 0
Last meeting (2014): Austin 35, Hays 34
Players to watch:
Hays – QB Cody Reiley, QB Issaac Castilleja, RB Cody Gandy, RB Cade Powell, WR Dustin Bruno, WR Brandon Hunter, OL Logan Pool, OL Peyton Steele, DL Johnson Elrod, DL Dale Caswell, LB Coby Brown, LB Taylor Friesienhahn, DB Da’Quonta Crayton, DB Josh Saucedo
Austin – QB Beau Kahlbacher, RB Marcello Mendoza, RB Abraham Vargas, WR J.J. Jacobs, WR David Parsons, WR Jacob Traudt, LB Nick Clawson, DB Tondre King
Intangibles – Much like last season, the winner of the Hays/Austin game may get a much-needed leg-up in what will be a mad scramble for a playoff berth. Hays is in the midst of a three game win streak that’s placed them in a tie with Bowie for 3rd in 14-6A. Hays’ defense will contend against QB Kahlbacher and a pass-oriented Maroon offense. The Maroons have the capabilities of RB Mendoza on the ground to go along with their aerial attack. Austin faces a Rebel defense that’s found equilibrium with strong efforts against Lehman and Anderson. The Rebel offense will continue to look to RB Gandy to lead the way. Through three games, QB Castilleja and Reiley have traded time under center over the past three weeks. Both players have combined for just over 400 passing yards. But can the Rebels find consistent quarterback play along with avoiding turnovers? That will be a question the Rebels must answer against an Austin defense that’s also been inconsistent at times this season.
Looking ahead
Lehman Lobos (0-6, 0-4) vs Del Valle Cardinals (1-4, 1-2)
When: Friday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Lake Travis 56, Lehman 0; Del Valle (idle)
Last meeting (2014): Del Valle 35, Lehman 17
Players to watch:
Lehman – QB Jacob Zamora, QB/WR Jeremiah Brown, RB Bryan Mendoza, OL Brian Prickett, WR Jonathan Whited, WR Chastin Evans, WR Keaton Miles, DL Cody Richter, LB Kacey Santos, DB Austin Lakey, DB Edward Arana
Del Valle – QB David Gutierrez, QB Julian Morales, RB Fred Wilson, RB Jacob Druery, WR La’Thaniel Washington, WR Jaymin Middleton, LB Emmanuel Martin, DL Darius Gillespie
Intangibles – The Lehman Lobos look to notch their first win in over a calendar year as they host homecoming Friday. They look to do so against a Del Valle squad that has something in common with the Lobos: Del Valle, like Lehman last week, was shut out by Lake Travis. Lehman’s defense takes on a Cardinal offense that didn’t have QB Gutierrez in their game on Sept. 25. The Cardinals may be forced to rely on QB Morales to carry the load. But in order to find success, the Lobo defense must find a way to stop their opponent. Lehman has conceded over 50 points in three games this season. On the offensive side, the Lobos have labored to find a consistent rhythm. It’s led to the Lobos scoring nine points over their last eight quarters of play. QB Brown and RB Mendoza have emerged as a strong 1-2 punch. But can the Lobos throw the ball downfield? Avoiding self-inflicted miscues will also be a factor for the Lobos.
