by JASON GORDON
The Hays High 7-on-7 team got off to a fast start with two wins over Class 5A foes last Tuesday night.
The Rebels rolled to an easy 28-6 victory over Akins before holding on for a 26-25 nail-biting victory over always-tough Bowie.
“Last year, we never went 2-0 on a Tuesday,” said Mason Cervenka. “We have a lot of players with varsity experience and that’s helping us. It’s definitely a lot of fun when you’re winning.”
Against Akins, Hays quarterback Caleb Kimbro threw two touchdown passes to Taven Mayberry and one each to Michael Romero and Rob Shelton in the win.
In the back-and-forth contest against Bowie, Kimbro threw touchdown passes to Mason Gill, Romero, Mayberry and Cervenka.
Hays had outstanding defensive performances from JT Sivils, Miguel Valdez, Jared Rodriguez and Damian Chavero.
“Bowie is one of the best 7-on-7 teams year in and year out,” Cervenka said. “It gives us confidence we can play with anyone now that we beat them.”
Kimbro agreed the Rebels are a confident team right now.
“We had confidence coming in, but that win against Bowie really gave us a boost,” Kimbro said. “It’s really unbelievable how many threats we have on offense. It makes it so much easier. Whoever I throw to I know there’s a very good chance they will make a play for us.”
Both Kimbro and Cervenka said Hays still has a long way to go before it reaches its peak.
“We were far from perfect,” Cervenka said. “We all had a couple of drops here and there. It’s pretty amazing that we weren’t at our best and we still beat Bowie. If we continue to progress like we have in the off-season and the first Tuesday night of 7-on-7 it’s going to be fun to see where we’re at in the fall.”
Kimbro agreed with his teammate.
“I’m really excited to see how much we can improve this summer,” Kimbro said. “We all know we still have a lot of work to do, and we are all dedicated enough to put the kind of work we need to in.”
