When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Records: Hays 4-0 1-1 27-4A;
Lockhart 4-1, 1-1
Last week: Kerrville 31, Hays 10;
Lockhart 36, Clemens 14
Last meeting: Hays 41, Lockhart 7 (2011)
Lockhart offense: Slot T
Lockhart defense: 3-4
Hays offense: Multiple
Hays defense: 3-4
What they’re saying: “We know we’re going to have to be ready against Lockhart,” Hays offensive and defensive lineman William Trevillion said. “They are a rebuilding team that’s been playing well this year. We know we have to get back into the business of winning.”
Players to Watch:
Hays: QB Caleb Kimbro, QB Jeff Jordan, WR Granger Studdard, OL William Trevillion, OL Reed Darragh, Slot receiver Taven Mayberry, WR Hayden Cagle, TE Banner Steele, DE Kyle Cox, LB Devin Jennings, CB Christian Rodriguez, CB Jared Rodriguez, LB Colin Hubert.
Lockhart: RB C.J. McKinney, RB Marcos Rodriguez, RB Curtis Hawkins, WR Brandon Clinger, LB Levi Mair, OT/DT Ryne Lehman.
Intangibles: Lockhart has already won twice as many games as it did during last year’s 2-8 campaign, so don’t expect the same Lions that Hays whipped 41-7 in 2011 to come limping into Shelton Stadium Friday night. The three-headed running back monster Lockhart has created with McKinney, Rodriguez and Hawkins has combined for 1,700 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns this season. The Lions, who are coming off a 36-14 dismantling of Clemens, are averaging 42 points per game – including a season high of 71 in a win over Cedar Creek. The Lions’ Slot T offense has traditionally given Hays trouble going back to the days when San Marcos High perfected it in the 1990s and 2000s. The Rebel defense will have to adjust to a style of offense they will only see once this year. Hays won’t be afforded the luxury of sulking over their first loss of the season last Friday at Tivy. Even though he was banged up in Kerrville, Caleb Kimbro will be ready to go against the Lions. Taven Mayberry, who rushed for 170 yards but sprained his ankle against Lehman, is a question mark. The Rebels could greatly use his presence in the backfield, but if the talented Mayberry can’t go, Hays will have to find a way to put points on the scoreboard while he’s on the mend in a game that may turn into an old fashion shootout.
Hays Free Press prediction:
Hays 49, Lockhart 35