San Marcos’ four‑year wait for the 19th edition of the Hays County Showdown did not disappoint, as the Rattlers’ late comeback fell just short in a 29–27 loss to arch‑rival Hays. The victory extends Hays’ head‑to‑head advantage to 15–4 and marks the Hawks’ first win over San Marcos since 2020. After Friday night’s matchup was postponed due to weather, the showdown resumed under the Saturday night lights — and delivered a thriller. Trailing 29–27 with 24 seconds remaining, San Marcos elected to go for a two‑point conversion, but the attempt failed, allowing Hays to escape with the win. Hays’ Great American Rivalry MVP Gabriel Peach powered the Hawks’ offense, rushing for 125 yards and two touchdowns to secure the road victory for Hays High School.

We Know Friday Nights 

MVP

Hayes Gabriel Peach
Hays

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Aiden Benavidez

San Marcos

Aiden Benavidez personifies the excellence, dedication, and versatility that define a true scholar-athlete. A standout football player, Aiden contributes as both a Wide Receiver and Cornerback while maintaining an impressive 4.3 GPA, showcasing his ability to excel both on the field and in the classroom. His academic ambition is matched by his career goals, as he is considering attending Texas A&M University to major in Finance and pursue a place in the highly selective Aggies on Wall Street program. Alternatively, Aiden is exploring specialized training in Musculoskeletal Sonography, allowing him to combine his interest in athletics with a future in sports medicine.
James Larson

Hays

James Larson exemplifies the dedication, character, and academic excellence that define a true scholar-athlete. He has maintained an impressive 4.40 weighted GPA and passed every AP exam he has taken with scores of 4 or 5, demonstrating his commitment to challenging himself academically. Beyond the classroom, James has spent the past four summers participating in a church internship, giving his time and energy to serve others and strengthen his community. Looking ahead, James plans to pursue a career as either a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or an anesthesiologist, with plans to continue his education at either Texas State University or the University of Texas.

GAME SUMMARY