By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post
It wasn’t pretty. But it was a win. And the Hays High Indians started their season with a 12-10 victory on the road in Olathe.
Neither Hays nor Olathe Northwest could get much going offensively during the game that was over cast and rainy at times. Hays High scored their first points of the season on a Connor Rule two yard touchdown plunge on fourth down, set up by Hayden Kruetzer’s 50 yard punt return. But even that series had its struggles. Hays scored on the first play from two yards out, but was waved off due to a penalty. Due to more penalties and a sack, Hays ended up with third and goal from the 20. A 18 yard run by Brendan Ibarra set up Rule on fourth down to score the game’s first points. The extra point missed and Hays led 4-0 with 4:59 remaining in the first quarter.
Bo Black Postgame Interview
On the ensuing drive, Northwest went on a 69 yard scoring drive that was aided by 20 penalty yards. The Ravens hit the extra point and led 7-6 after the first quarter.
Hays High had one more opportunity to score in the first half after a punting miscue by Northwest set up Hays at the Raven’s 15 yard line. Indian’s quarterback Alex Delton was intercepted on the next play in the endzone though.
Olathe Northwest would add a field goal in the third quarter after having the ball first and goal at the eight yard line. Hays trailed 10-6 going in the fourth quarter.
The Hays High Indians offense really clicked for the first time in the fourth quarter. Backed up their own 6 yard line after a punt by the Ravens, Hays drove 94 yards and capped it off with an Delton one yard touchdown plunge on third down. Hays converted on five third down conversions on the drive after starting the game 1 of 8. Hays missed the extra point again leaving the score at 12-10.
The Ravens did have one last drive in them. After converting on 4th and 13 to keep the drive alive, the ravens next three plays set up a 47 yard field goal that came up short and right sealing a victory for the Indians.
Game Highlights
The Hays High Indians totaled 215 yards 142 on the ground and 73 in the air. Olathe NW was held to 179 yards, 95 rushing yards and 84 passing.
Hays is 1-0 and on the road again on Friday night to face their rivals the Great Bend Panthers.