By Shane Scholwinski
The Hays Rebels emerged with a 48-36 season opening win over the Georgetown East View Patriots at Bob Shelton Stadium Friday.
On offense, the Rebels dominated the line of scrimmage as they rushed for 449 yards on 53 carries, including six rushing touchdowns.
Leading Hays in rushing was junior running back Thailand Mayberry, who carried the ball 16 times for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. Senior running back Cade Powell also ran the ball well for the Rebels as he went for 93 yards on nine carries, including two touchdown runs in the first half.
The first half was an offensive showdown as the Rebels pounded their way for four rushing touchdowns. However, the Patriots did not backdown as they scored four long passing touchdowns of their own, which provided East View a 29-28 halftime lead.
Georgetown Eastview junior wide receiver Devhaun Little showcased his speed in the first two quarters with six catches for 190 yards and 3 touchdowns.
After halftime adjustments, the Rebel defense did not concede another point in the second half.
Momentum shifted when Rebel senior quarterback Xavier Martinez threw a 61-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Sam Scott on a well-timed fourth down play, which gave Hays a 35-29 lead. A Mayberry touchdown run padded the Rebel lead to 41-29.
After East View’s defense recovered a fumble for a touchdown, Hays later iced the game with a 26-yard touchdown run by Dallin Roberts in the fourth quarter.
Hays travels to play Georgetown High at Birklebach Stadium on September 7 at 7:00 p.m.
