By Moses Leos III
Saturday was hot but it didn’t stop the Hays Rebels from holding their annual intrasquad scrimmage to kick off the 2015 campaign.
While conditioning ultimately played a factor, Hays head coach Neal LaHue was pleased at his team’s performance during the scrimmage.
“It was only the second day of pads, but we had a very good effort out there,” LaHue said. “We have to get in shape. Nothing prepares you for two-a-days. But I’m pleased with our effort.”
Hays’ offense, led by seniors Cody Gandy and Braeden Kent, hit the ground running in the first drive of the scrimmage.
Going up against the second team defense, Hays quickly stormed down the field. They capped the drive off with a 30-plus yard touchdown pass from Kent to Gandy, who powered his way down the field for the score.
From there, the Rebel offense continued on, storming to the end zone three more times against the second team defense. They did so by utilizing an improved pass attack.
Kent said the offense is continuing to adjust under new offensive coordinator Julius Scott, who he said is running some “new stuff” this season. LaHue said he expected the offense to produce in the early going, saying that the offense played “really well” in the beginning part of the scrimmage.
Aiding Kent were several key plays from his wide receivers. Playing a factor were Hollis Cagle and Dustin Bruno, who made a tremendous leaping catch to set up the Rebels’ second touchdown of the scrimmage. Continuing his role as the Rebels’ leading wide receiver was senior Brandon Hunter, who made several pivotal plays in the scrimmage.
“I thought (our offense) clicked well today,” Kent said. “It’s nice having Bruno out here. I missed him [at wide receiver] last year. He’s been making some big plays. The passing game has been a lot better this year.”
As the offense got off to a rolling start, the defense equally showed its mettle.
Going up against the second offense, Hays’ defense pitched a shutout, keeping them out of the end zone.
Highlighting the day were back-to-back interceptions by the Rebel first team defense. Senior defensive back DaDa Crayton nabbed the second interception as the second team offense was inside of the red zone.
For Crayton, the experience factor in the defensive backfield will play a vital role.
“We’re more hungry this year,” Crayton said. “We’re ready and we know what needs to be done. We’re kind of tired, but it’s all about [keeping] that intensity.”
The defense maintained that momentum as the first team units squared off late in the scrimmage.
It was the defense that was consistent, plugging the holes and keeping Hays’ offense grounded.
For senior defensive lineman Johnson Elrod, the play of the defense was to be expected. He also understood the tough transition for the Rebel offense.
While some assignments were missed, Elrod said the defense played well in the first scrimmage. It’s part of their desire to improve from last season.
“We didn’t play up to our standards last year,” Elrod said. “We know that. We’ve worked hard in the offseason and during the summer to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
LaHue said some things will need to be worked on prior to the Rebels’ scrimmage against San Antonio Madison on Friday.
One of the primary focuses will be improving conditioning and getting players in shape. It’s part of LaHue’s desire to get the Rebels ready for 14-6A play.
“We’re going to play good teams, we’re going to scrimmage good teams,” LaHue said. “We think we’re good. We want to scrimmage people who are comparable. We want to test ourselves. You only get better playing talented people.”