The last two weeks have been very exciting for Rebel players, fans and community members. After Hays stunned No. 2 Smithson Valley in the last regular season game of the year, the seats at Clemens’ Lehnhoff Stadium were jam packed in support of the Rebs as they earned their first playoff win in five years with a comeback victory over San Antonio Brennan.
The competition level will be cranked up a few more notches this week, as Hays will face another one of Central Texas’ premier programs in Cedar Park.
There will be little room for error. Hays won’t be able to get away with turning the ball over four times like it did against Brennan. A near error-free game, much like the one the Rebels played against Smithson Valley, will be needed.
Cedar Park will rely heavily on quarterback Brian Hogan (1,280 yards rushing, 18 TDs, 874 yards passing) to guide its lead-option based offense. But Hogan has also thrown nine interceptions this season. If the Rebs can pressure the talented Cedar Park QB and force a few early turnovers, Hays will have a chance to pull off a second shocking upset this year against a Timberwolves team many think can challenge for the state title.
The Rebels are an undefeated 2-0 when the Free Press has picked against them this season, so here we go again.
When: Friday 7:30 p.m.
Where: Burger Stadium
Records: Hays 8-3, Cedar Park 9-2
Last Meeting: Cedar Park 31, Hays 7 (2004)
Last Week: Hays 34, San Antonio Brennan 24; Cedar Park 55, Austin LBJ 26
What they’re saying: “They are a great team with very good athletes like Smithson Valley. But we’ve proven we can beat great teams, so we just need to work hard this week and go out and give them our best shot,” Hays receiver Mason Cervenka when asked about Cedar Park.
Hays Offense: Spread
Hays Defense: 3-4
Cedar Park Offense: Offset I
Cedar Park Defense: 3-4
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, CB Christian Rodriguez, CB Jared Rodriguez, DT William Trevillion, DE Joel Young.
Players To Watch: Cedar Park – QB Brian Hogan, RB Thomas Middleton, WR/RB Ethan Fry, WR/RB Nathan Harwell, OL Felix Romero, DB Zach Espinosa, LB Adam Hill, DL Dylan Lutcher, DB Chris McCalla.
Free Press Prediction: Cedar Park 42, Hays 28
