For 17 short-lived seconds Friday, the Hays Rebels held out hope they could finally get the better of the state ranked Lake Travis Cavaliers.
The inability to suppress a potent Lake Travis offense, however, quickly rendered Hays’ dreams moot as the Cavaliers powered ahead for a 59-27 win and sole possession of the top seed out of 25-6A in the 6A, Division I playoff bracket.
Hays (7-2, 5-2) struggled to limit an effective Lake Travis air assault led by quarterback Nate Yarnell who went 13 of 16 for 257 yards and four touchdowns passing. Three of Yarnell’s touchdown passes were thrown to wide receiver Kyle Eaves, who finished with five catches for 136 yards.
Goad said preventing explosive plays, while also putting pressure on Yarnell, were two primary points to the defensive game plan. However, Hays conceded six plays of 20 yards or more, three of those resulting in touchdowns. While the Rebel defense had “spots” of success, including a handful of sacks from their linebacking corps, Goad said inconsistency allowed for Lake Travis’ offense to thrive.
