Mixed emotions hung in the minds of Hays Rebel players, fans and coaches at the conclusion of Friday’s regular season finale at Bob Shelton Stadium.
All tried to decipher a second half Rebel meltdown that allowed the Vandegrift Vipers to escape with a 31-20 win.
But the sting of Friday’s loss, which snapped the team’s three-game win streak, was tempered by the fact that Hays will be finally postseason bound for the first time in four seasons.
By virtue of a Vista Ridge loss to Lake Travis earlier that night, Hays (4-6, 3-3) locked up the final playoff spot in 25-6A.
While it wasn’t exactly the way players and coaches wanted to reach the playoffs, senior running back Cade Powell said it was a moment to behold for the senior class.
“We would have liked to have won the game tonight, but it’s still a great feeling to be able to get into the playoffs,” Powell said. “This was our goal from the beginning, from November of last year. We’ve been wanting to go to the playoffs and we finally achieved our goal.”
Hays entered Friday’s game with the mentality of earning the third place spot in the district, said Rebel junior running back Thai Mayberry. They also sought to earn a win for the senior class.
“We were going to try our hardest and we played our hearts out,” Mayberry said. “For the seniors, this could be the last time they get to play on this field, so it means a lot.”
Hays turned to its run game, led by Mayberry and Powell, to set the tone early in the first half.
They did so against a stout Viper defensive front led by defensive end Oso Ifenisachukwu. Both Mayberry and Powell lauded the Rebel offensive line’s ability to generate open run lanes.
“Our offensive line did great tonight. They have one of the best defensive fronts in the district, but they came out and stepped up and played hard.” Cade Powell, senior running back
Mayberry finished the game with 96 rushing yards and scored one touchdown. Powell and Rebel quarterback Xavier Martinez both finished with 46 yards rushing in the game.
“Our offensive line did great tonight. They have one of the best defensive fronts in the district, but they came out and stepped up and played hard,” Powell said.
On the flip side, Hays’ defense limited an explosive Viper offense to only 118 yards in the first 24 minutes of play.
Hays held a 7-0 lead before the Vipers responded with a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Moore to tie the score.
Following a Hector Fuentes interception, Hays responded with a 24-yard field goal from Joe Banuelos to take a 10-7 lead into intermission.
The Rebels expanded their lead to 17-7 in the third quarter following a Mayberry four yard touchdown run.
Even with a lead in hand, the Rebels couldn’t avoid costly miscues.
Those miscues, which came in the form of three fumbles in the final 15-plus minutes of the game, helped Vandegrift outscore Hays 24-3 down the strech.
Neal LaHue, Hays head football coach, said the defense played well enough to win, but was put at a disadvantage by having to defend short fields.
“You can’t turn the ball over on your end of the field three times and expect to beat a good team like Vandegrift,” LaHue said.
Despite the loss, LaHue said the Rebels now have the chance to prepare for its Week 10 bye week for the first time in four seasons.
But it will also allow the players and coaches a chance to rest following ten straight grueling weeks of football.
“It helps us rest and get ready for the playoffs. It’s going to be a good ride,” Mayberry said. “People didn’t think Hays was going to get to the playoffs. But we’re bouncing back. I’m proud of this team.”
