[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ver the course of a successful four year high school football career, Kyle resident Tre Abeita isn’t short on recalling various memories he made on the gridiron.
Few, however, could compare to the electricity and excitement he felt when he participated in his first Hays versus Lehman football game.
“It didn’t feel like a high school game anymore,” Abeita said. “There was no empty seat in the stands. The bands were going back and forth, as were the student sections and the players.”
While the years have gone by and the players have changed, the intensity surrounding the crosstown showdown between Hays and Lehman continues to this day.
But its meaning goes beyond what happens after the scoreboard hits zero and the lights go dim. It’s also a game that brings together two communities whose bonds go further than football.
“It’s one of the biggest moments in the Kyle, Buda area,” Abeita said. “It’s a moment for everyone to come together.”
Abeita, who graduated from Lehman High several years ago, remembers how the early years of the game harbored a little animosity.
That stemmed from many of the players on both sides of the aisle growing up and playing little league football together.
When Hays CISD split the district in half, Abeita said it was an “instant rivalry” that’s comparable to Texas and Texas A&M.
Jeremy Schilhab, former Lehman High quarterback, said experiencing the game firsthand meant occasionally talking “mess during the game.” Often, however, the talk was friendly and wasn’t anything particularly serious.
After the game, many players hung out and dined together, often cracking jokes about performances in the game.
“Any time you have a crosstown rivalry, you throw the records out and consider the other team is going to give you its best effort … You also have to come with the same energy.” Neal LaHue, Hays High head football coach and athletic coordinator
“It was just like a brotherly thing. Just joking around,” Schilhab said. “But it was serious, in that you also wanted to come out on top.”
But Schilhab also realizes the game itself is one of the biggest of the year for both sides, no matter what the record is going in. He remembers growing up watching the two teams duke it out, and dreaming of one day playing on the field.
“It was a fun game, but it’s also humbling,” Schilhab said. “You’re playing in front of the whole town. You can’t explain it. You have to be there.”
Coaches, much like the players, also feel the excitement the game brings to the community.
Neal LaHue, Hays High head football coach and athletic coordinator, said he enjoys the atmosphere rivalry games can bring. The experience showcases the pride both communities have in their local athletes.
DON’T MISS
The annual Rebel-Lobo showdown will be held at Shelton Stadium on October 13. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
“Any time you have a crosstown rivalry, you throw the records out and consider the other team is going to give you its best effort,” LaHue said. “You also have to come with the same energy.”
Even as the years have gone by, Abetia said the game often brings about “what ifs.” As the owner of a local barbershop, Abeita cuts the hair of former Hays opponents, which often brings discussion of the games they once played.
“Anytime I see a Hays player, we always have fun talking bout the games and the years we were there,” Abeita said.
Change, however, may be coming to the showdown as Hays CISD readies to build its third high school campus.
While the campus won’t be open until 2019, Abeita said it could potentially have an impact on Hays and Lehman high schools. Schilhab said it may level the playing field for both Hays and Lehman.
Both don’t believe the new school will take away from the importance the game brings to the community.
“The way the world is today, it’s good to have positive experiences to bring everyone in the community together,” Schilhab said.
Click here for The Game 2017 special edition, featuring stats, team rosters, analysis and more.