Hays cornerback Jared Rodriguez steps in front of Smithson Valley High receiver Easton McIntosh to tip away a pass during Hays’ 34-28 overtime win last Friday at Shelton Stadium. The No. 2 Rangers never led in the game, and Hays finally put them away in the extra frame after the score was tied 21-21 and 28-28 late in regulation. Hays advances to play San Antonio Brennan in the bi-district round of the playoffs Friday night at Clemens’ Lehnhoff Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (Photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)
By JASON GORDON
He might have arrived on campus in March, but the Blake Feldt era officially began Friday night at Hays High School.
The first-year Hays head coach earned a signature victory over previously unbeaten state power Smithson Valley as his Rebels knocked off the No. 2 Rangers 34-28 in overtime.
Hays (7-3, 5-1 27-4A) is now tri-district champions along with Alamo Heights and Smithson Valley (9-1, 5-1).
It marks the biggest Rebel victory at Shelton Stadium since Hays ended Westlake’s national record 71-game district winning streak in 2003. It was Hays’ first win over a ranked team since the Rebs beat Calallen in the playoffs in 2006.
Hays advances to play San Antonio Brennan in the bi-district round next Friday night at Clemens High School beginning at 7:30 p.m. A win there would likely pit the Rebs against No. 6 Cedar Park in the area round.
Against Hays, a Smithson Valley team that had barely trailed all season long, and never by more than seven points, never led the Rebels.
“That was no fluke,” Feldt said. “We moved the ball all night long and we beat them.”
Hays won the flip and elected to go on defense first in overtime. Rebel cornerback Christian Rodriguez tipped away a pass in the end zone and Nate Paez teamed up with William Trevillion to sack Smithson Valley quarterback Parker McKenzie to help hold the Rangers scoreless in the extra frame.
“As soon as the defense got on the field first we knew we were going to win,” Paez said.
Feldt said he was equally as confident in his defense to come up with the plays Hays needed most.
“Our defense is like a bunch of mad fire ants,” Feldt said. “They just kept moving to the football.”
Rebel quarterback Caleb Kimbro took over when Hays went on the attack in overtime, carrying the ball on consecutive carries from the 25 down to the 5-yard-line. Two plays later, Michael Romero dove in from 3 yards out for the game winner.
“Seeing Michael cross that goal line was an incredible feeling,” Kimbro said. “All our hard work this season paid off.”
It looked like Hays had all the momentum early in the third quarter when it scored on the opening drive of the second half to take a 21-7 lead on Kimbro’s 47-yard pass to Romero. Kimbro scrambled left and floated a pass down the sideline to Romero who took over from there, turning on the jets all the way to the end zone.
Smithson Valley had a quick answer, though, as the Rangers rode talented running back Lawrence Mattison, who finished with 213 yards on 35 carries, to set up two quick scores. McKenzie hit Baron Hill with a 32-yard touchdown pass and Mattison ran it into the end zone from 21 yards out to tie the score 21-21.
Kimbro, who finished with four total touchdowns, 148 yards rushing yards and 168 more through the air, once again found Romero with a pass for 33 yards that led to his 1-yard TD toss to Taven Mayberry, and the Rebels regained the lead late in the third quarter.
Smithson Valley scored the equalizer with four minutes left in the game when McKenzie’s 20-yard quarterback draw knotted the score 28-28.
But Hays, as the Rebs did all night, once again had the answer for Smithson Valley’s counter attack when overtime began. On this beautiful fall night, in front of a capacity crowd of nearly 6,000 fans at Shelton Stadium, Hays wasn’t going to be denied. After the game was over those same fans high-fived, hugged, took photos in front of the scoreboard and stayed long after the final whistle had blown to soak in the atmosphere.
“We weren’t going to let up tonight no matter what they threw at us,” Feldt said. “Our kids deserve so much credit for the way they played.”
Feldt said he’s pleased with the way his team has grown this season.
“I’m so proud of this football team,” said Feldt. “I’m ecstatic right now. Ten weeks ago we were an average football team that was undisciplined and making silly mistakes, but you could see sparks. I’ve won at every level, from Class 2A to Class 5A and in college, and winning this district title with this team is unquestionably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had as a football coach.”
