Mixed emotions hung in the minds of Hays Rebel players, fans and coaches at the conclusion of Friday’s regular season finale at Bob Shelton Stadium.

All tried to decipher a second half Rebel meltdown that allowed the Vandegrift Vipers to escape with a 31-20 win.

But the sting of Friday’s loss, which snapped the team’s three-game win streak, was tempered by the fact that Hays will be finally postseason bound for the first time in four seasons.

By virtue of a Vista Ridge loss to ...