By Dustin Armbruster

The Hays Indians were able to take advantage of multiple Great Bend mistakes on their way to a 49-6 win Friday night. After a three and out and punt that resulted in negative yardage, Hays needed just two plays to score from 16 yards out and take 7-0 lead with 9:40 remaining in the first quarter following a Alex Delton 13 yard touchdown run. Great Bend punted on their second possession after three plays to set up the Indians at the Panther 35 following a personal foul by the Panthers on the return. Hays needed just five plays to navigate the 35 yards to increase the lead to 14-0 on a Dalton Stout one yard plunge. Hays scored pushed the lead to three touchdowns before the end of the first quarter when Shane Berens picked off a pass and scored from 25 yards out. The Indians led 21-0 after the first quarter and cruised rest of the way.

Following a scoreless second quarter, the Indians struck on the first play of the second half when Delton broke off an 82 yard touchdown score grabbing a 28-0 lead. The troubles that Great Bend experienced in the first half continued in half number two. Isaiah Blackmon stripped and recovered the football for the Indians on the Panthers first drive of the second half leading to a seven play scoring drive capped by a two yard Stout score pushing the lead to 35-0.

Perhaps the craziest touchdown of the season happened on the Indians next drive. Delton threw a 44 yard pass to junior Keith Dryden and as Dryden fought for the end zone he fumbled the ball at the two yard line. Tight End Shane Berens who had scored on a defensive play earlier in the game scooped up the loose ball and dove into the end zone give the Indians a 42-0 lead with 4:06 remaining in the third.

The Indians final score of the night came midway through the fourth quarter when Adam Klaus scored on a four yard run capping a four play 25 yard drive following a fumble recovery by Berens.

Great Bend would get their first points of the season on fourth and goal when Trenton Uselton scored on a three yard run for the final 49-6 tally.

Hays rushed for 208 yards and passed for 133, totaling 341 yards on the night. Great Bend was held to 144 total yards only 11 of which came through the air.

The game was also a night of penalties and turnovers. Hays was penalized 12 times for 105 yards and Great Bend 11 times for 109 yards. Hays lost four fumbles and Great Bend totaled six turnovers, four interceptions and two fumbles.

Hays is 2-0 and 1-0 in the Western Athletic Conference. Great Bend drops to 0-2, 0-1.

Hays plays at home for the first time this season as they take on the Liberal on Friday Night.