Hays High graduated a lot of talent and experience in May of 2013. That didn’t change the expectations of the Indian’s football team….Win. Hays High did just that 27-22 over Junction City on Friday night in Hays.
Neither team scored in the first half, even though Hays High drove into Junction City territory each of their first three drives. Finally in the second quarter Hays it pay dirt. Junior Alex Delton hit junior Adam Klaus with a 8 yard touchdown pass on third down to take a 7-0 lead. Hays lead 14-0 at half time when Delton dove into the end zone from two yards out.
The second half started sloppy for both teams. Each team fumbled their opening play, then Junction City scored their first points of the season on a 2 yard touchdown run cutting the lead to 14-7. After a three and out the Blue Jays scored again but had the extra point blocked and Hays still led 14-13.
With 4:06 left in the third quarter, Hays gave up the lead when an errant snap sailed over the punters head for a safety. Hays refused to back down however trailing 15-14.. Lane Clark blasted a kick-off from the 20 yard line for a touch back 80 yards away. The next play Clayton Riedel intercepted his second pass of the night.
Following a Indian punt, Junction City turned the ball over on a fumble, one of five turnovers on the night. The ensuing play Preston Weigel sprinted 24 yards for his first touchdown of the season. Hays missed on a two point conversion attempt and held a 20-15 lead.
Junction City turned the ball over on downs and Hays retook a two touchdown lead on a six play drive all on the ground, capped off by a Ty Whittington 14 yard touchdown run. Hays led 27-15 with 6:51 left to go in the fourth.
The Indians would allow one more touchdown before shutting down the Blue Jays and running out the clock for a 27-22 win.
Preston Weigel ran for 111 yards and one touchdown down on 19 carries. Ty Whittington scored a touchdown and ran for 86 yards on just 10 touches.
Hays is 1-0 and will play McPherson at home next week.
Highlights:
Post Game Interview: