When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Shelton Stadium
Records: Hays 9-1; Highlands 4-6
Last week: Hays 24, Heights 21;
SA Brackenridge 42, Highlands 17
Last meeting: First meeting between schools
Highlands offense: Spread
Highlands defense: 3-4
Hays offense: Multiple
Hays defense: 3-4
What they’re saying: “Our goal was to not only win a district title but to go far in the playoffs. Now’s our chance,” Hays cornerback Christian Rodriguez.
Players to Watch:
Hays: QB Caleb Kimbro, WR Granger Studdard, RB Marco Solis, RB Beau Reed, OL/DL William Trevillion, OL Reed Darragh, Slot receiver/RB Taven Mayberry, TE Banner Steele, DE Kyle Cox, LB Devin Jennings, CB Christian Rodriguez, CB Jared Rodriguez, LB Colin Hubert, DE Daniel Minor, LB Aaron Johnson, LB Brandon Poole.
Highlands: QB Jordan DeLuna, WR Henry Peralta, WR Andy Ladson, RB Jacolby Bass, DB Thomas Martinez, OL Deon Sheppard, LB/RB Nick Diaz, DB Aaron Ladson.
Intangibles: On paper, it looks like this should be an easy first-round playoff matchup as Hays gets the luxury of hosting a postseason game against a San Antonio Highlands team that finished with a losing record (4-6) and only a 2-4 mark in an inferior District 28-4A. Hays defensive backs have had a lot of success taking advantage of quarterbacks who give them opportunities for interceptions. Highlands QB Luna has thrown for 1,629 yards and 13 touchdowns, but he’s also thrown 16 interceptions – a good sign for the Rebel defense. All signs here point to Hays cruising to victory and a second-round matchup with Leander, which has been ranked in the top-10 in Class 4A all season long. The Rebels have the better offense, defense, special teams and the home-field advantage.
Hays Free Press prediction:
Hays 49, Highlands 14
