AUSTIN – A critical stop on a late two-point conversion attempt made the difference for the Hays Rebels in a wild 48-47 win Thursday over the Austin Maroons at House Park.
With the win, Hays (6-0, 4-0 in 25-6A play) experiences its best start to a season since the 2006 campaign. The Rebels also keep pace with Westlake and Lake Travis for the top spot in the district standings with four games left.
While the Hays’ defense struggled to stop Austin High’s pass attack, the Rebel offense kept pace as they scored seven rushing touchdowns on the night.
Hays senior running back Devin Hines led the team with four touchdowns, including a big 47-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. Junior halfback Xavier Green finished the game with 17 carries for 134 yards and two clutch touchdown runs in the fourth quarter. Hays senior quarterback Xavier Martinez scored on a quarterback sneak in the first frame.
Green’s second touchdown of the night, a bruising 6-yard run, gave the Rebels a 48-41 lead with 4:41 remaining in the fourth quarter.
However, Austin High immediately responded by driving down the field and scoring a 14-yard rushing touchdown with only 55 seconds left on the clock.
Austin High opted to go for a two-point conversion and the lead, but the Rebel defense held firm as a pass fell short of a Maroon receiver in the end zone.
Martinez recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the win.
Hays returns home Friday to play crosstown rival Lehman at 7:30 p.m. at Shelton Stadium.
