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 he...