Hays Rebels (1-0) vs. Dripping Springs Tigers (1-0)
When: Friday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Hays 28, San Marcos 17; Dripping Springs 48, Kerrville Tivy 38
Last meeting (2017): Dripping Springs 21, Hays 17
High-tempo meets methodical in a battle of two programs with opposing offensive styles. However, if the last two meetings are any indication, the third-straight installment of the Hays-Dripping Springs rivalry should be just as entertaining. Hays brings a run-first Slot-T offense that dominated time of possession last week against San Marcos. The team’s three-headed rush attack of Nash Danford, Sam Scott and Xavier Green, mixed in with the play of quarterback Xavier Martinez, will be a critical test for a Tiger defense still getting used to varsity play. Dripping Springs, on the other hand, counters with dual-threat quarterback Tanner Prewit, who accounted for 437 of the team’s 600 yards on offense and six of the seven touchdowns against Tivy. Hays’ defense, which stood fast at times against San Marcos, will contend with a high-energy offense brimming with talented athletes, such as running back Jake Cox and wide receiver Parker Alford. Friday’s game could come down to a pair of simple questions – who can come up with a defensive stop in crunch time and who can win the turnover battle?
