S H E LTO N STA D I U M • F R I DAY, O CT. 1 3 , 2 0 1 7
RED VS. BLUE H AYS R E B E L S
L E H M A N LO B O S
The Road to The Game Crosstown rivalry brings communities together
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BY MOSES LEOS III
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. “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 “It’s one of the biggest game itself is one moments in the Kyle, of the biggest of the year for both Buda area. It’s a sides, no matter what the record moment for everyone is going in. He remembers growto come together.” ing up watching the two teams –Tre Abeita, duke it out, and former Lehman football player 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,
CROSSTOWN RIVALRY, PG. 4
THE REBEL RUNDOWN OFFENSE
When talking about the Rebel offense, one has to start with its bruising offensive line. Spearheaded by a group comprising of four seniors and a junior, the Rebel line has helped Hays become a power running threat in the district. Following the line is a bevy of running options that include Thailand Mayberry, Cade Powell, Martin Shoemaker and Xavier Martinez. In the air, Hays has improved its pass attack, relying on the hands of Gentry Brawith and Nate Tate. Getting off to a fast start, however, is a factor Hays will have to focus on as they continue in district play.
DEFENSE Seniority leads the way for a Rebel unit that has eight seniors on the starting roster. Linebackers Dominic Johnson and Sam Guzman, who lead the team in tackles, bolster a bruising front seven. In the backfield, Hays features a senior laden defensive backfield, anchored by Blaze Thomas and Hector Fuentes. But can the Rebels find consistency on defense? While there have been bright spots, the Rebels have so far allowed 37 points per game.
THE LOBO LIST OFFENSE Speed, speed, speed is the approach Lehman brings on offense as new head coach Josh Kirkland has instituted a high-tempo, air-raid style attack. It’s all accentuated with the play of freshman Bryant Lewis, who’s become a viable duel threat in the pocket. Running backs Diego Romero and Kaleb Preistly provide a strong onetwo punch running the ball, while Chastin Evans and Justin Evans provide support in the air. However, can the Lobo offense stay healthy? Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the group so far this year.
DEFENSE While short on experience, Lehman’s defense brings several key playmakers that have made an impact so far this year. Linebackers Noe Santos, Josh Weusi-Barrera and Terry Maher-McGee anchor the front seven, while C.J. Scott leads the defensive backfield. But in order to make a difference in district, Lehman must find a way to stop opponents. So far this year, Lehman has allowed an average of 47 points per game.