Hays Rebels
By Moses Leos III
The Rebels were seeing red in their scrimmage against New Braunfels Canyon – literally.
Amid hot temperatures, Hays battled the blindingly unique red turf at Cougar Stadium. While the turf intensified the heat, it did not cool down the Rebel’s resolve.
Hays did not take long to get the ball rolling. On one of the first plays of the day, quarterback Jeff Jordan lobbed a 57-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ty Goebler. The crowd buzzed as Goebler broke past coverage, catching the ball in stride, with no Cougar defenders around him.
“I read the safety and the corner; they crashed, so I saw Ty wide open,” Jordan said.
From there, the Rebels team continued its progression under head coach Neal La Hue’s system.
Overall, La Hue was impressed with what he witnessed on the field.
“I was pleased with the kids’ effort. They worked hard, especially against a team as physical as [New Braunfels] Canyon,” La Hue said.
The physicality of the 5A opponent was a new dynamic for several players. Sophomore Cody Gandy was one of them. Even so, he was impressed with the overall function of the offense.
“For me, this was my first varsity [experience],” Gandy said. “I thought we did well against a 5A team.”
Hays continued to see success in the scripted play portion. Still, execution was something La Hue and the team believed needed some work.
More so during two simulated quarters. Hays worked hard, but struggled to find consistency on offense.
La Hue was conservative in his play calling. He said the team had an “agenda” during the simulated quarters, not wanting to show everything. The purpose was to evaluate players, especially at the quarterback position.
“We put the quarterbacks in situations where they had to make some reads,” he said.
La Hue said both Jordan and Hayden Cagle played well. He still has not named a starter for the team.
Working at a consistent tempo was a big key during the scrimmage. While Hays kept a solid tempo going, players felt it could improve.
“We need to keep our tempo going. To play faster, stronger, and work on fixing our mistakes,” Jordan said.
On the opposite side, Hays’ defense worked against a big physical run team in Canyon.
Defensive lineman Justin Diaz said Canyon’s run offense was troublesome. While he and teammates fought off the occasional double and triple team, they were able to fight through.
“We did our best. It’s still a new defense. We had some kinks,” Diaz said. “However, we worked as a team. As the game went on, we picked ourselves up. That’s what we’re trying to work on.”
Diaz said linebacker Tre Solis was instrumental in leading the defense back on course.
Inevitably, both teams finished the simulated half in a 7-7 tie. The knowledge gained from the experience will help the team prepare for San Antonio Burbank next week.
“I think this team is well prepared,” offensive lineman Connor Lanfear said. “We worked hard. Everyone has given a bunch of effort…I think we are ready.”
