Even as the Hays Rebels had their backs against the wall at times this season, head coach James Howard challenged his team to respond.

Doing so helped the Hays Rebels reach the postseason for the second straight year under Howard.

While several key cogs will graduate this summer, Howard is optimistic about next year.

Howard said the program this season had the staff work with players new to the varsity experience. However, Howard said it was “no excuse” for a team expected to reach t...