Hays Runs Over The Rattlers In Tight Home Opener

By Kason Duncan

KTSW Sports Reporter

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS—The San Marcos Rattlers fall 29-27 to the Hays Hawks in a close game that came down to a missed 2-point conversion. The Hawks run offense appeared to be too much to handle for the Rattlers.

The Rattlers home opener did not go their way in tonight’s game with a spectacular performance from Hays running back Gabriel Peach. With multiple breakaway runs and a couple of touchdowns, Peach’s senior year is off to a dominant start. The Hawks also had multiple big runs from Eyan Stigall, completing their one-two punch.

Head Coach John Walsh was asked about how the Rattlers run defense played.

“ We’re going to be pleased with our effort and physicality, but there are going to be some responsibility issues that we missed on, and we will coach on that.”

The Hawks struck first in the first quarter with a 40-yard breakaway run from Peach and converting for two more. The Rattlers also got on the board from a safety and the first touchdown for the Rattlers 2026 campaign comes from a Jordan Lampkin rushing touchdown to start the second quarter.

This was the only lead the Rattlers could hold as the Hawks responded with a touchdown from Stigall. With around three minutes to go, defensive lineman Kiefer Patterson picks off Villalpando and sets up the Hawks nicely for another Peach rushing touchdown.

As the half was coming to an end, “ Mr. Do-It-All” Jordan Lampkin sets up the Rattlers for a field goal after a tough grab over a defender. Hawks 22-12 going into halftime.

“ He (Jordan Lampkin) is the best player on the football team; he has worked his way to being the guy that has to have that ball in his hands.”Head Coach John Walsh on Lampkin’s performance.

To start the second half the San Marcos Rattlers strike first with a 2-yard rush from Jarren Lopez. This is matched with a yet another Gabriel Peach 3-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 29-18 going into the fourth quarter.

To start the fourth quarter sophomore kicker Davion Lucio knocks a field goal through the uprights to make it a one score game. With around four-minutes left in the fourth the Rattlers get the stop they need after a pass deflection. A massive run and catch from Lampkin puts the Rattlers in Hays Hawks territory. A touchdown keeps the Rattler hope alive but the failed 2-point conversion sealed the deal.

The San Marcos Rattlers will be facing the Liberty Hill Panthers at Toyota Rattler Stadium Sept. 4^th at 7 p.m. looking to get their first win of the 2026 season.