Hays Rebels (1-1) vs. Lake Travis Cavaliers (2-0)
When: Friday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Cavalier Stadium
Last week: Georgetown 59, Hays 30; Lake Travis 56, Copperas Cove 13
Last meeting (2014): Lake Travis 62, Hays 23
Players to watch
Hays: QB Braeden Kent, RB Cody Gandy, RB Cade Powell, WR Duston Bruno, WR Brandon Hunter, OL Logan Pool, DL Johnson Elrod, DL Dale Caswell, LB Coby Brown, LB Taylor Friesienhahn, DB Da’Quonta Crayton, DB Josh Saucedo
Lake Travis: QB Charlie Brewer, RB Abe Willows, WR Cade Green, WR Maleek Barkley, WR Cade Brewer, DT Tevin Paul, DE Sammy Ochoa
Intangibles:
District play has arrived for the Hays Rebels, who must quickly recover from a stinging 29-point loss to Georgetown a week previous. But the road won’t get much easier as they face-off against Lake Travis, the favorite to win the district. Hays’ defense must find a way to halt a high-powered Cavalier offense led by Brewer. Through two games, the Cavs have pumped out 1,150 total yards and 104 points. Of that total, Brewer himself has accounted for 683 yards, while Willows has 297 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, the Rebel offense must stay consistent, while avoiding costly miscues, to keep pace with the Cavaliers. Despite those issues, Hays has been able to generate 842 total yards, with Kent compiling 620 of that. But therein lies the issue for Hays – can the offense get production from someone other than Kent? In addition, can the Rebels put together a full 48-minute effort, and avoid another meltdown? Hays will need to put answers to those questions if they seek an upset.
Lehman Lobos (0-2) vs. Bowie Bulldawgs (2-0)
When: Friday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: McCallum 26, Lehman 14; Bowie 44, San Antonio Madison 25
Last meeting (2014): Bowie 42, Lehman 13
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
Bowie: QB Wade Smith, RB Quirin Laracuente, WR Paul Saucedo, WR Josh Wainright, DL Cole Mercer, LB Chris Alanis, DB Dusty Torres
Intangibles
Getting off to a good start hasn’t been a problem for the Lehman Lobos. It’s what happens after the first 12 minutes of play that’s hurt them. Lehman will need to put it all together Friday as they host Bowie, which is vying for top dog status in the district. Priority for the Lobos will be continued progress of the offense. That was made difficult last week as they regressed for only 165 yards total. Zamora leads the way, with Mendoza and Brown providing support. But the offense must find a way to generate more yards to stay competitive. That could be a challenge against a Bowie defense that’s allowed only 32 total points and 430 yards in two games. Meanwhile, the Lobos’ young defense will be tasked with halting a Bowie offense that put points on the scoreboard against San Antonio Madison. Thus far, Bowie’s offense has put up a shade over 700-yards of offense, with over 50 percent of that through the air.
