1. Lehman is hungry – Lehman’s football players are tired of playing second fiddle to their counterparts across the highway. They are tired of hearing of the great Rebel football teams of years gone by. They are fed up with Hays High being the team that regularly competes for district titles and qualifies for the football playoffs.
In short, the Lobos would love nothing more than to march into Shelton Stadium and get rid of the feeling of superiority the Hays football team has held over them since Lehman High opened with one swift tail kicking of the Rebel squad. Lobo players have said this is the year they are going to beat Hays and they are the ones that will qualify for the playoffs. Lobo coaches agree that it’s time for Lehman to prove it’s a team that can compete for a playoff spot. Now’s the time to turn that talk into action. Lehman will get a chance to prove it’s ready to take that next step Friday night against Hays.
2. Lehman’s balanced attack on offense – Lehman is anything but a one-dimensional team this season, as their numbers would reflect. Having a versatile back like senior Levi Medley, who is on pace to break the school’s single-season rushing record, gives the Lobos a lot of options to start their attack with.Medley, who has 608 yards rushing and five touchdowns through three games, can beat you by going inside or outside. If he turns the corner against your defense, forget about it, he has the speed and quickness to take it to the house every time he touches the football.
Senior quarterback Matt Anguiano has turned into the leader head coach Steve Davis always knew he could be. Through three games, Anguiano has passed for 450 yards and seven touchdowns while throwing only two interceptions. Lehman finally has the offensive weapons to keep Hays off-balance on defense. If the Lobos get in a rhythm Friday night against Hays, they will be hard to slow down.
3. Lehman’s smothering defense – The Lobos have given up one, yes you did read that correctly – only one – touchdown through their first three games. That includes shutout wins over Edison and Crockett. Lehman defensive coordinator Toby Spivey and his coaching defensive staff have pushed all the right buttons so far this season.
Linebackers Charles Williams and Ethan Martin, defensive tackles Chris Hernandez and Edwin Bahena, defensive end Matt Riojas, cornerbacks Bradley Braxton and Kyron Morrisette, and free safety Lawrence Romero have all been stars in non-district action as the Lobo defensive unit has been punishing. There is no doubt the Lobo defense will have their toughest test Friday night against Hays’ spread offense, but if Lehman can slow the Rebs down and keep them off balance, the Lobos have a great chance to earn their first-ever victory over the Rebels.
