Sure-handed Trevor Ragsdale (back to camera) sets the ball as Rebel kicker Payton Kisor adds an extra point to Hays’ score during a recent game. (Photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)
Hays head coach Blake Feldt has said all season long that his Rebels are a work in progress, and the goal is that they continue to improve throughout the season.
Now might be a good time for the Rebs to hit their stride. After a bye week, Hays will face two of the toughest District 27-4A foes to close out the regular season.
First, the Rebels will take on hard-hitting Canyon Friday night on the famous red turf in New Braunfels.
Hays will wrap up the regular season by hosting state-ranked and undefeated Smithson Valley on Nov. 4.
If Hays beats Canyon, the Rebs, who clinched up a playoff spot with a win over Lockhart two weeks ago, will play Smithson Valley for a share of the District 27-4A title.
“I know we’re already in the playoffs but our goal all along has been to play Smithson Valley for the district title in our final game,” Feldt said. “We have a chance to do that if we win on Friday. It’s obviously a very big game for us because this is such a tough district. To have a chance to play for the district title would be phenomenal for our players and our program.”
Quarterback Caleb Kimbro agrees with his head coach.
“Winning district has been one of our main goals all season,” Kimbro said. “The only way to do that is to win this Friday. Canyon is a very sound team and we need to play very well to have a chance.”
Canyon is 7-2 overall and, like Hays, is 3-2 in 27-4A. The Cougars have won two straight games against Clemens and Lockhart to clinch a playoff spot since dropping consecutive contests against Alamo Heights and Smithson Valley.
Feldt is not only thinking about Hays (5-3, 3-2) having success over the next two weeks, he said it’s time for the Rebs to have success once they enter the playoffs.
The Rebels haven’t won a playoff game since a run to the Class 4A Region IV finals in 2006.
“We need to win some playoff games,” Feldt said. “We want to not only be a playoff team year after year but be a contender once we get there. High school sports is so much fun at that level – when you’re making those deep playoff runs. I’ve had that happen several times in my career and that’s where we want to be year in and year out.”
Hays receiver Mason Cervenka said he thinks fans haven’t seen the Rebs play their best football yet.
“We need to play a complete four quarters,” Cervenka said. “And once we get to the playoffs I expect us to be fully hitting our stride.”
