by JASON GORDON
Hays High School’s first spring football practice in years went almost perfectly last May.
The Rebels made it through their 18 practice sessions injury free, and were all set to display what they’d learned in front of several thousand fans at the spring game at Shelton Stadium.
“I remember talking to our coaches before the game and saying all we need to do is get through this thing injury free,” said Hays head coach Blake Feldt. “We almost made it.”
Feldt’s dreams of an injury-free spring turned into a nightmare on one single play.
Two of the team’s most valuable players suffered broken bones within a few yards of each other.
Taven Mayberry, Hays’ dynamic slot receiver/running back who has blazing speed, looked like he was headed to the end zone for a score before being tackled. The force of the clean tackle came down on Mayberry’s shoulder, causing a broken collarbone.
A few seconds earlier, one of the leaders of the Hays defense, inside linebacker Devin Jennings, planted his foot trying to fight off the block of an offensive lineman. His foot buckled, and Jennings suffered a broken ankle.
“I was the only coach on the field, and I saw Jennings’ injury so I rushed over there,” Feldt said. “I was with Jennings a few seconds and I looked over and saw Taven was down as well. Talk about a sick feeling. They were just two freak injuries that happened on the same play. Take that play away and our spring was perfect.”
Jennings, a Hays captain this season, had his rehab go as smooth as possible. He was ready for summer workouts in August and has been one of the main contributors to a Hays defense that’s averaged giving up only 153 yards per game this season.
Jennings has 15 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, one caused a fumble, and one interception during Hays’ 3-0 start this season.
“Devin is the quarterback of our defense,” Feldt said. “He’s a high-energy player who flies to the football. He has great work ethic and he’s a great competitor. He embodies our defensive philosophy and he’s one of those guys you love to see out there playing for you.”
Jennings impresses his teammates as well.
“There’s no question Devin causes chaos for opposing offenses,” said Hays offensive lineman William Trevillion.
“Devin is a vocal leader but it’s his play that really stands out,” said Hays quarterback Caleb Kimbro. “He brings a toughness to our defense which is why they’ve had so much success this year.”
Mayberry’s road to recovery took a little bit longer.
While Mayberry probably could have played in Hays’ first two games, it wasn’t until two weeks ago against Rouse that he made his 2012 debut.
After Kimbro left the game with a shoulder injury, the Rebel offense relied heavily on Mayberry, who came through with 75 yards rushing and 10 yards receiving.
Along with the defense’s stellar effort, Mayberry helped the offense move the ball enough for the Rebs to hang on in the 14-10 win.
“It felt great to be back on the field,” said Mayberry, who may see an even bigger workload against Lehman Friday night with Kimbro’s return to the lineup in question. “It was tough to watch the games from the sidelines. When I was out there it all came back pretty quick. It was like I never missed any time.”
Last season, Mayberry missed the first few games of the year after undergoing hernia surgery. He returned for the 2011 Lehman game and caught the game-winning pass in the fourth quarter.
“Taven is a big play waiting to happen,” Kimbro said. “His ability opens up the offense. He draws so much attention and it’s key we have him on the field.”
Feldt agrees Mayberry will play a major role for Hays the rest of the season.
“You have to have players like Taven to be a great football team,” Feldt said. “He can score from anywhere on the football field. We’re going to get him the ball anyway we can – we’ll hand it to him, pitch it to him and throw it to him. You need guys that have the speed that Taven and Caleb have. We’re lucky to have two of those players that are game changers so it’s very important we keep them healthy the rest of the season as we try to reach our goal of becoming a championship team.”
