by Moses Leos III
The Hays Rebels’ dominion over the Lehman Lobos will continue for another season.
Thirty-nine unanswered points Friday paved the way for Hays’ 46-9 win over Lehman at Shelton Stadium.
Hays (3-2, 2-1) improves their record to 10-0 in their all-time series against Lehman. The Rebels’ 37-point win was their largest margin of victory over Lehman (0-5, 0-3) since the 2007-2008 season.
Guiding Hays was an offense that amassed 403 yards on the night. Most of the damage was done on the ground as Hays gained 270 rushing yards. Quarterback Cody Reiley and running back Cade Powell each rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown. Rebel running back Cody Gandy rushed for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
As the Rebel offense held control, their defense capitalized on a Lehman squad that struggled to get out of its own way. Hays scored 21 total points off of Lehman turnovers.
Lehman’s offensive struggles continued as they amassed 197 total yards. Lobo quarterback Jacob Zamora went 15 of 25 for 150 yards. Running back Bryan Mendoza rushed for 52 yards.
A slow first quarter was broken up when the Rebels captured momentum on a 14-play, 80 yard scoring drive. Gandy capped off the drive with a six yard score, which gave Hays a 8-0 lead after a two-point conversion.
The Rebels then claimed momentum for good via a crippling 31-point run.
It was initiated by a 40-yard field goal by Jax Kell to start the second quarter. Disaster then struck for the Lobos on the first play of the ensuing drive. A fumble on a pitch play was recovered in the endzone by a Hays defender, increasing the Rebel lead. A touchdown run by Reiley gave Hays a 25-0 advantage.
After a Gandy touchdown to end the first half, Hays closed their run with a 22-yard scamper by Powell, which put them ahead 39-0 and out of reach.
Lehman’s offense found some rhythm in the second half, allowing the Lobos to tally nine points in the final 24 minutes.
But the Lobos couldn’t close the gap as Hays kept adding to its lead. Hays defensive lineman Dale Caswell highlighted the second half with a 59-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
