Hays (2-3, 2-1) at Anderson (2-3, 1-2)
When: Thursday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: House Park (1301 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Austin, Texas)
Last week: Hays 45, Lehman 23; Anderson 38 Akins 12
Last meeting (2011): Anderson 28 Hays 21
Players to watch:
Hays: QB Braeden Kent, RB Cody Gandy, WR Brandon Hunter, WR Grayson Rigsby, OL Connor Lanfear, OL Mateo Mendoza, DL Johnson Elrod, DL Gabriel Flores, LB Kendall Stovall, LB Emory Cuzze, DB Joseph Rubio, DB Garrett Quinn
Anderson: QB Thomas Ramsdale, RB Jacorey Nelson, RB Chris Ortiz, WR Dalton Harris, WR Ryan Kuenast, WR Joseph Menke, DB Gavin Graham, DL Dalton Shoemaker, LB Braden Buckman
Intangibles
Thursday night begins what could be a defining month for the Hays Rebels’ chances toward earning a 14-6A playoff bid. While Austin High, Westlake and Bowie are on the horizon, the Rebels will first take on an Anderson team that’s still in the mix for a playoff spot. Hays’ offense takes on an Anderson defense that’s been hemorrhaging passing yards. The Trojans have given up 1,497 yards through the air through five games. That’s in addition to the 770 yards given up on the ground. It could be a big night for an explosive Hays offense, guided by Gandy, Kent and their offensive line. Hays has gained over 400 yards of offense in four of their five games. Hays’ defense has equally progressed, allowing less than 300 yards in their last two contests. They’ll line up against an Anderson group that’s been inconsistent. Questions arise as to who will be QB – Ramsdale took charge against Akins last week. Who ever starts will have options to throw to – Anderson has three WR with more than 100 yards receiving.
Lehman (1-4, 1-2) vs. Lake Travis (3-1, 2-0)
When: Friday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Hays 45, Lehman 23; Lake Travis 55, Del Valle 0
Last meeting: First ever
Players to watch:
Lehman: QB Jeremy Schilhab, RB/DB JR Torres, RB/DB Brett Wagner, WR Jay Sayles, WR Jon Herrera, OL Francisco Maldonado, OL Julian Silguero, DL Cody Richter, DL Austin Pimentel, LB Austin Lakey, LB Kacey Santos, DB Jacob Tamez, DB Za’Quan Campbell
Lake Travis: QB Dominic De Lira, RB Abe WIllows, QB Charlie Brewer, WR Cade Green, WR Maleek Barkley, WR Hudson Fife, DB James Bailey, DB Chris Roller, DT Hunter Rhodes, LB John Brewer
Intangibles
The Lehman Lobos bid for a playoff berth isn’t out of reach at this point. But the Lobos’ ascent back into the mix is going to be quite the arduous task. Lehman’s defense will attempt to halt 14-6A powerhouse Lake Travis and their high-powered offense. Lake Travis has gained nearly 1,900 yards of total offense this season; they’ve scored 40 plus points in three of their four games, 50 or more in two. It’s going to pose a challenge for a Lobo defense that’s given up 40-plus points in four of their first five contests. Lake Travis has the services of De Lira, who returned last week after serving a three-game suspension. Lehman must attempt to defend a variety of options. Four Cavalier wide receivers have caught 100 or more yards; Green has 275. Offensively, the Lobos continue to work on taking pressure off of Schilhab. Finding a secondary run threat continues to be a critical component. So is eliminating penalties – Lehman was penalized for 75 yards against Hays. Lake Travis’ defense has given up over 900 yards, 687 of it were passing yards.
