When a pass sailed his way in the third quarter of Friday’s season opener, Hays Rebel defensive back Justin McMahon took action.
Letting a San Marcos Rattler wide receiver take possession meant conceding a momentum shifting, possibly game-tying score. Instead, McMahon snagged his first ever varsity interception in the end zone, a moment that not only killed a Rattler drive, but also led to a second half surge that pushed Hays to a 41-13 win.
While there are kinks for Hays to work out heading into a Sept. 6 tilt with Dripping Springs, McMahon felt his moment was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
“I saw an opportunity to make a big play and I just took it,” McMahon said.
The interception, which occurred six minutes into the second half, played a critical role in Hays hammering out 21 unanswered points in the final 18-plus minutes of the contest.
Rebel head coach Les Goad said weathering a furious Rattler comeback helped to reestablish momentum that had been lost.
Hays (1-0) leapt out to a 20-0 first half lead, highlighted by a fumble recovery for a touchdown on the opening kickoff. However, the Rattlers fought back for 13 unanswered points in the final five minutes of the second frame.
San Marcos maintained momentum early in the third frame and were at the Rebel seven yard line and knocking on the goal line when McMahon secured the interception.
“Both teams take punches, but you have to weather the storm and keep going,” Goad said.
Lengthy second half drives also aided Hays in recapturing momentum. Two of Hays’ final three drives of the game averaged 10 plays and more than four minutes in length.
Rebel quarterback Durand Hill, who went 5 of 11 for 98 yards passing and had 79 yards rushing with two total scores, said getting “back to basics” and executing on offense led to second half success.
Senior defensive back Pi-Ellei Henderson said a renewed mindset after halftime also made a difference. Making adjustments to San Marcos’ style of play also led to the defense pitching a shutout in the final two frames.
Rattler quarterback Alex Garcia went 13 of 26 for 137 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions passing, 93 of those yards coming in the first half.
“Our coaches told us to keep pressing and to apply pressure. We did and we came out on top,” Henderson said.
Goad lauded his team’s effort, primarily for those who were making their varsity-level debuts. Hays returned only four total starters on offense and defense from their 2018 playoff team.
“To rebuild a team like that, I’m proud of where they are at right now,” Goad said. “We have a lot of work to do, there’s no question about it, but I liked their heart and their determination.”
The Rebels will focus on watching film and fixing the little things as they take in their first road contest of the year. McMahon said playing four full quarters will be needed.
“We have to get better than we are right now. We can’t be making these mistakes,” McMahon said. “I know I made mistakes, so we have to get better than that.”
Hays travels to play at Dripping Springs Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.
