HS Countdown to Kickoff: Rattlers head to Hays for season opener

Buda Hays runs its offense to a T.

The Rebels thrived during their first year under Les Goad, in large part due to the head coach’ slot T scheme. Hays improved from a 4-7 regular season record in 2017 to 8-2 in 2018, and made its second consecutive playoff berth.

Goad has a lot of replacing to do with just four starters from last year’s squad returning this season. Senior running back Xavier Green is back as the lone veteran of the first team offense, but played a vital role for the Rebels in 2018, picking up 936 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Senior tailback Bobby Green looks to feature in a complementary role again as he added another 203 yards and two touchdowns rushing. Quarterback Durand Hill will have big shoes to fill stepping in for Xavier Martinez, but should have good protection up front in offensive linemen Chris Aguirre, Josh Gruell and Jason Iwabuchi.

The transition should be a bit easier defensively. Linebackers Zachary Hobert, Coleman Johnson and Noe Santos combined for 183 tackles last season and will be back this year. They’ll be joined by defensive backs Will Agnew, Michael Boudoin and Pi-Ellei Henderson in the secondary. Defensive lineman David Villanueva was listed as Hays’ top sophomore by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine.

San Marcos will head to Hays for the season opener on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m.