The Hays and Buhler defenses took over the Thursday night show in Buhler during the first half. Hays punted after just three plays to start the game and Buhler drove down to the Hays seven yard line but was turned away on 4th and 1. The Indians opened the next drive with a 40 yard run to midfield but stalled following a 17 yard loss on a snap and fumble recovery.
A Hayden Brown punt rolled out of bounds at the 11 yard line. Three plays later Tucker Veatch intercepted a pass to set up the Indians at the 20 yard line. The Indians pushed down to the six yard line but could not take advantage of two Crusader red zone penalties and settled for a 23 yard field goal from Matt Goodale and a 3-0 lead.
Buhler fumbled their next drive away but Hays could not score with a drive starting in Buhler territory. Following punts from both teams the Crusaders hooked up for a 46 yard pass play that set up the game’s first touchdown. Bradley Neill rolled out to on a four yard pass to Austin Gentry who just broke the goal line for the score and 7-3 lead.
Each team turned the ball over in the final three minutes of the half. Hays High on an interception in the end zone and Buhler fumbling when Hunter Harris punched the ball out and Trey Adams recovered the ball. Hays tried to score in the final 31 seconds but got to the 19 yard line before time in the first half ran out.
Highlights
The Indian defense never did yield in the second half. Hays intercepted four more passes with the fourth providing some breathing room for Hays. Tucker Veach grabbed his second interception of the night and raced to the end zone for a 17-7 lead with 7:52 remaining.
Buhler did threaten in the second half. The Crusaders opened the second half with drive to the Hays 28 yard line but was sacked on third down by Da’Vontai Robinson. Buhler also drove down to the Hays red zone late in the fourth quarter trailing by ten. The Hays defense was backed up to their own goal line. With under two minutes remaining Buhler took a timeout to set up a fourth and goal play from the two yard line. Gavin Meyers almost intercepted a short pass by plucking the ball off the quarterback’s hand.
Hays held on to a 17-7 victory.
Coach Tony Crough
The Hays defense forced seven total turnovers. Fumble recoveries by Trey Adams and Gavin Nutting. Hunter Harris forced the fumble that Adams recovered. Tucker Veach took away two passes while Gavin Meyers, Tavian Creamer, and Gavin Nutting each picked off pass as well.
Hays improves to 3-4 on the year while Buhler falls to 5-2.
The Indians return home for Senior Night next Friday to take on Salina Central.