The Hays (2-5) Rebels extended its wining streak to 12 games against the rival Lehman Lobos (1-6) with a 55-20 blowout win Friday night behind a strong rushing attack and stout defense.
The Rebels opened the game with a 22-yard touchdown run on the first drive by senior running back Cade Powell. Hays’ defense got in on the scoring act a few plays later with a 35-yard interception returned for a touchdown by senior cornerback Darian Moore. In under two minutes, the Rebels jumped out to an early 16-0 first quarter lead.
Lobo freshman quarterback Bryant Lewis bounced back from the interception with a 66-yard touchdown run on the following drive. Hays responded with a 22-yard touchdown on a screen pass from junior quarterback Xavier Martinez to junior wide receiver Nathan Tate. The Rebels capped off an impressive first quarter with a 34-yard field goal to extend its lead to 27-6.
The second quarter was all Hays as they maintained offensive momentum with two rushing touchdowns. Martinez rushed for an 8-yard touchdown early in the quarter, while Powell added his second touchdown of the night on a 4-yard run. The Rebel defense also continued its strong play by not allowing another score in the half.
Powell recorded his third touchdown of the game on a 24-yard run to start the second half, extending Hays lead to 48-6. Later in the quarter, Lobo senior linebacker Joshua Weusi-Barrera returned a strip-sack fumble 72-yards for a Lehman defensive touchdown.
Both teams tallied touchdowns in the final quarter.
The Rebels will take on the Leander Lions at home next week, while the Lobos go on the road to face Lake Travis.
