Hays Hawks secure 33-14 win over Lehman Lobos

KYLE -— On Friday, Nov. 3, the Lehman High School Lobos and Hays High School Hawks faced off in the annual Hays County rivalry game.

After a slow start from both teams’ offense, Hays scored first on an offensive series. From there, Hays started to take over, consistently getting stops and, after a huge punt return touchdown that got everyone in Bob Shelton Stadium on their feet, the Hawks were in control.

Hays was pitching a shutout late in the game with Lehman still not scoring; however, the Lobos scored two late touchdowns in the fourth quarter after two well-run plays from the offense.

The game concluded with a score of 33-14 and the field became a sea of red as the Hays players took the field rejoicing as they continued their winning streak against Lehman.

In the days leading up to the matchup, the game was highly anticipated by the players, coaches and fans of both schools. Going into the game, Lehman had a record of 2-7 and Hays was sitting at 3-6. However, this matchup was all that mattered at this point to both fans and players. The Hawk players did not want to be the first team to lose to Lehman, while the Lehman players were hoping to prove something and make history.

“Tradition is tradition” is simply all that Hays junior linebacker Bobby Braitkrus had to say about the final score.

Since Lehman High School opened in 2004, the Lobos have yet to beat Hays High School in football. Despite this, the rivalry between the schools has been one that people all around Hays County are very proud of and one that many look forward to every season.

The community support for the game was in full force, with both stands and student sections loud and full of people. Both of the teams played with a lot of passion and energy, really wanting to beat the other team, and the fans replicated their energy.

With the Hays and Lehman football seasons coming to a close, due to not making the playoffs, the teams will start getting ready in the offseason and preparing for the 2024-25 season, where the rivalry will hopefully continue for another exciting season of Hays and Lehman football.