It could have been easy for the Hays Rebels to administer some flash during the course of Saturday’s intersquad scrimmage at Shelton Stadium.

But for head coach Neal LaHue, improving on the little things held top billing.

And while there were some big plays during the course of the scrimmage, LaHue was pleased overall with the effort put in by a Rebel team that returns a plethora of experience in 2017.

LaHue said the Rebels, who began preseason practices Aug. 14, have been in good shape during the first week of practices.

“They’ve handled what we’ve thrown at them,” LaHue said. “We’ve conditioned a lot more than we have since I’ve been here. They handled it like a champ.”

A Hays Rebel defender leaps in the air to bring down running back Cade Powell during Saturday’s intersquad scrimmage. (photo by Moses Leos III)

LaHue said the team has worked hard every day and there’s a lot of “good competition out there.”

It was apparent during the scrimmage, which was the team’s second full day in pads. While the coaching staff planned to work with the team on several things, the focus was to see them “get after it,” LaHue said.

“There was some good hitting and a lot of good effort and guys running to the ball,” LaHue said.

Guiding Hays will be an offense that returns eight of the 11 starters from last season. Leading the charge is a sizable offensive line which includes Phil McSorely, Jaydan Smith and Brandon Garcia.

Experience also extends to the skill positions. Running backs Cade Powell and Thai Mayberry could provide a one-two punch in the backfield, while wide receivers Patrick Guerrero and Nate Tate are the weapons for the offense.

Under center, senior Tyler Conley took the majority of snaps with the first team in Saturday’s scrimmage. However, LaHue also gave backup quarterbacks Gentry Brawith, Xavier Gonzalez and Desmond Young a chance to work with the first offense as well.

“We’re playing well and I see a lot of improvement in the back end. We have some guys returning there. We look a little stronger and a little faster.”Neal LaHue, Hays head football coach

LaHue said he was pleased with all four players during the scrimmage, but also said they all had some things to work on. While the Rebel offense had some bright spots, including a 25-yard touchdown pass from Conley, play was also sporadic at ties, LaHue said.

“We were good in some spots, but we have a ways to go,” LaHue said.

Conley, who was the team’s leading passer from last season, said there is more cohesion among the players so far this season.

“We feel closer than last year,” Conley said. “For many, it was their first time on varsity. This year, we have a lot of returning seniors.”

Experience can be found on defense where seven starters return this fall. Defensive backs Hector Fuentes and Blaze Thomas, along with defensive end Zane Kuykendall and linebacker Dominic Johnson will lead the group.

Others that could play a factor are Sam Guzman, Justin Rodriguez and Ryan Leal.

“We’re playing well and I see a lot of improvement in the back end,” LaHue said. “We have some guys returning there. We look a little stronger and a little faster.”

Hays will work on getting into game shape when the team travels to Pflugerville Hendrickson for its only scrimmage prior to opening the season Sept. 1

Trying to improve on what they’re doing is what LaHue aims to have his player accomplish.

“We’re just trying to get better as Hays Rebels. That’s the job,” LaHue said.