Hays proved it could beat a team that wants to pummel you at the line of scrimmage all game long with a solid road win at Canyon last Friday night.
Now the Rebels will get by far their toughest test of the season against a Smithson Valley team that’s built to beat you by any means necessary – through the air with a passing game paced by Parker McKenzie’s 1,554 yards passing with 16 touchdowns and only two interceptions, running with Lawrence Mattison’s 1,324 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns, or with a defense that’s allowing less than 10 points per district game.
The Rangers are ranked as high as No. 2 in the state in one Class 4A poll. Hays must play its first error-free football game of the season to win and earn a share of the District 27-4A title.
Smithson Valley at Hays
When: Friday 7:30 p.m.
Where: Shelton Stadium
Records: Hays 6-3 (4-1 27-4A), Smithson Valley 9-0 (5-0)
Last Meeting: Smithson Valley 41, Hays 0 (2010)
Last Week: Hays 21, Canyon 17; Smithson Valley 35, Lockhart 6
What they’re saying: “We’ve worked since two-a-days to have a shot at the district title. Now we have that opportunity,” Hays quarterback Caleb Kimbro.
Hays Offense: Spread
Hays Defense: 3-4
Smithson Valley Offense: Multiple
Smithson Valley Defense: 4-3
Players To Watch: Hays – QB Caleb Kimbro, Slot Receiver Michael Romero, Slot receiver Taven Mayberry, WR Mason Cervenka, WR Granger Studdard, WR Trevor Ragsdale, C Boone Feldt, LB Dalton Johnson, LB Mark Oldham, DE Kyle Cox, NG Kyle Williams, CB Christian Rodriguez, CB Jared Rodriguez
Players To Watch: Smithson Valley – QB Parker McKenzie, RB Lawrence Mattison, WR Easton McIntosh, WR Baron Hill, DT George Schwanenberg, DB Aaron Potter, LB Joey Bochat, DB Ryan Griffith.
Free Press Prediction: Smithson Valley 35, Hays 20
