In a transition year for the Hays football program, senior dual-threat quarterback Xavier Martinez has emerged as a team leader and believes the Rebels are poised to make another run at the playoffs.

After making the playoffs last season for the first time in four years, Hays was handed a devastating 26-25 loss to San Antonio Reagan in the first round. Then head coach Neal La Hue retired in the offseason, resulting in Hays coaching search and the hire of new head football coach and athletic direc...