Hays (8-2, 6-1) vs. San Antonio Brackenridge (7-3, 5-1)
When: Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Hays def. Alamo Heights 35-28; SA Brackenridge def. SA Highlands 27-10
Last meeting: First ever
Hays offense: Multiple
Hays defense: 3-4
Brackenridge offense: Spread
Brackenridge defense: 4-3
Players to watch:
Hays: QB Jeff Jordan, QB/WR Hayden Cagle, RB Dylan Kasper, FB Adam Castro, RB Cody Gandy, WR Luke Park, FB Holton Dickerson, WR Ty Goebler, TE Banner Steele, DL Cole Carney, DL Justin Diaz, LB Hector (Trey) Solis, DB Emory Cuzze, DB Jared Self, DB Mason Salinas
SA Brackenridge: QB Ramon Richardson, QB Antonio Lopez, RB Trey Mathis, RB Tyrus Mathis, WR Romonique Anthony, WR Marco Mable, DB Robert Allen, DB Olajuwon Reese, LB Christopher Tupuola, LB Tristan Reyna
Intangibles: For the sixth straight year, the Hays Rebels are playoff bound. They do so for the first time under head coach Neal LaHue, who helms a team on an impressive five game win streak, which allowed them to claim the 27-4A crown last week. However, winning district doesn’t entitle Hays to an easy first round opponent in the playoffs. They open with a Brackenridge team that is equally on a roll, with four straight wins. Perhaps most impressively, the Eagles won their last two games without Oklahoma State commit QB Richards, who went out with a concussion on Nov. 1. While his status is undetermined, LaHue says the team will prepare for him anyway. LaHue said Brack has good team speed on offense, which runs the zone read option. He felt the Rebels must play “assignment football” to prepare for Brack’s option game, led by RB Mathis and Richards, who’ve gained 1,344 of the 2,146 total rush yards on the year. The key for Hays’ defense lies in the pass game. If Richards plays, Hays will have to account for his arm, which has thrown for more than 1,300 yards. On offense, LaHue said the team would focus on a balanced attack. The strength rests in their run game, led by Gandy, Kasper, Jordan and other backs, who have pounded the ground for more than 2,200 yards. Hays will combat Brack’s defense, which LaHue says often stuffs the interior. The Rebels must use their ground game to kickstart the pass. The difference may be Hays’ experience in a tough 27-4A. LaHue said the district schedule has helped the team prepare for the postseason. It could very well help Hays roll to the second round.
