Hays head football coach Neal La Hue wanted to test his team in the non-district slate.

Even if that meant taking a loss in the standings, La Hue is playing the long game in the hopes that the elevated competition results in better execution down the road.

La Hue’s wishes – and more – were granted as Georgetown defeated the Rebels 40-17 at Bob Shelton Stadium Friday night.

The 23-point loss wasn’t ideal, after all. Georgetown scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to...