HAYS REBELS (3-3, 2-1) VS. AUSTIN HIGH MAROONS (2-3, 1-2)
When: Friday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Hays 27, Anderson 13; Austin 47, Akins 41
Last meeting (2005): Hays 31, Austin 10
Players to watch:
Hays: QB Braeden Kent, RB Cody Gandy, OL Connor Lanfear, OL Mateo Mendoza, WR Brandon Hunter, WR Grayson Rigsby, DL Johnson Elrod, DL Gabriel Flores, LB Kendall Stovall, LB Emory Cuzze, DB Joseph Rubio, DB David Keils
Austin: QB Beau Kahlbacher, RB Marcello Mendoza, RB Allik Anchando, WR Jacob Traudt, WR Chris Mendoza, DL Grayson Olguin, DB Patrick Dowell
Intangibles: Defending a high-powered pass offense will be the focus for the Rebel defense against Austin High. The Maroons have thrown for 1,217 yards this season, which accounts for roughly 63 percent of their offense. They’ve also put up 84 points in two games. QB Kahlbacher has thrown for 1,209 yards. While the Maroons are a pass-first team, they are able to run the ball, led by RB Mendoza’s 269 yards. It may be all in good timing for the Rebel defense, which rebounded from a rough start. During their three game win streak, Hays has limited opponents to 54 total points. It’s a far cry from the 155 conceded in the fi rst three games of the season. On the offensive side, Hays has slowly transitioned toward a run-fi rst mentality, led by Gandy and Kent who have combined for 1,214 rushing yards and 16 combined rushing touchdowns. Hays’ methodical pace on offense could be a mitigating factor toward the outcome. It may be helped by an Austin defense that’s given up 572 rushing yards in the last two contests. A Hays victory could solidify their claim for a playoff spot in the district, but a loss could leave the door wide open.
LEHMAN LOBOS (1-4, 1-3) AT DEL VALLE CARDINALS (1-4, 0-2)
When: Friday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Veterans Stadium (5301 Ross Road, Del Valle, Texas)
Last week: Lake Travis 51, Lehman 7; Del Valle (Idle)
Last meeting (2009): Del Valle 34, Lehman 28
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 Del Valle: QB David Gutierrez, QB Elijah Duran, RB Emanuel Grear, RB Will Grear, CB Williton Grear, WR Altany Wilson, WR Andre Butler, LB Khalid Taylor, DB Brenden Carter, K Luis Escalante
Intangibles: The absence of QB Schilhab and backup QB Josh Tobias made a signifi cant impact on the Lehman Lobo offense against Lake Travis last week. While Torres and Sayles shared roles as signal callers, the Lobos could only amass 208 yards. Safe to say the health of Schilhab will be a pivotal factor in Friday’s game against the Cardinals. It’s strengthened by the fact that Lehman could shake up the
14-6A playoff race. They’ll go up against a Del Valle defense that’s struggled of late. The Cardinals have conceded 30 or more points in their previous three games. They’ve given up over 250 yards in their last two contests. But the Lobos defense has equally struggled this season. Lehman’s defense is giving up an average of 45 points and 466 total yards per game. Depth and injuries have been an a constant struggle
for Lehman. They’ll be asked to stop the Grear siblings, who have rushed for 555 yards combined – that accounts for 41 percent of the Cardinal’s entire offensive output. Lehman may also have to game plan for two QBs, as Gutierrez and Duran have split time.
