The Hays High Indians entered Friday night looking for their first home win in two years. It was also Senior Night for twelve Indians, in a game that Hays High needed to win to keep their playoff chances alive.
The game started with shades of the McPherson contest one week prior as Abilene drove right down the field to take the first lead of the game on a Parker O’Neal two yard run. The score capped off a seven play 55 yard drive, but the Cowboys left a point on the field missing the PAT.
Hays punted on their first drive of the game and watch Abilene push the ball back into the red zone but did not score following a penalty. Abilene downed the ensuing punt at the one yard line. From the shadows of their own goal post the Indians orchestrated a 10 play 99 yard drive, scoring on a 18 yard pass from Hunter Brown to Wyatt Scheve. Logan Clark’s extra point put the Indians up 7-6.
Abilene again punted and Hays put together their longest drive by time of the season going eleven plays in 6:37 to set up a successful 31 yard Logan Clark field goal to give the Indians a 10-6 halftime lead.
Highlights
All of the scoring in the second half came in the third quarter. The Indians started the half with the football and drove 12 plays 71 yards over 5:01 to take a 17-6 lead. The two score lead came on a fourth down and pass play from Hunter Brown to Shane Berens for 14 yards.
Abilene responded back immediately on their next possession scoring on another O’Neal run to tighten the score at 17-12. Abilene attempted a two point conversion pass that was intercepted by Keaton Markley.
As they did the whole night, Hays High again had an answer. The Indians scored on their quickest drive of the night, using just 4 plays to cover 76 yards. Brown ran for 44 yards then William Sennett, who was in at running back, threw a 33 yard pass to Wyatt Scheve. Brown scored from three yards out to increase their lead to 23-12 after a blocked extra point.
Coach Randall Rath
Neither team scored in fourth quarter, though Hays High had chances. The Indians started a drive at the Cowboy 10 yard line following a fumble recovery but failed to score after a botched snap on a field goal. Hays also lost the ball on downs in the Abilene red zone.
Hays High improves to 2-6, Abilene loses for the first time and is 7-1. Both teams are 1-1 in district play as Hays goes to Wamego next week, the Red Raiders are 0-2 in district play. Abilene is home to McPherson who is 2-0 in districts.