By Dustin Armbruster

For a second week in a row the Hays High Indians took on an undefeated team in district play, as they traveled to Abilene on Friday night. For Hays at 0-1 in district play the game was essentially a must win to have a legitimate shot at the 4A-1 playoffs.

The Indians opened the game with a 78 yard kick-off return to the Abilene seven yard line by Jordan Betts.  Hays though could not score on four plays and lost their quarterback Kohlton Meyers to a back injury on the 4th and Goal try.

Abilene would break off a 78 yard run by fullback Parker O’Neal on third down to complete a 6 play 99 yard drive.

With Meyers out of the game and back up quarterback Maddux Winter out with an injury as well, Hays turned to tailback Hunter Brown at quarterback two drives later.  Abilene would score on their next two drives taking a 22-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Hays turned the ball over three times in the first half on two fumbles and an interception.  The Indians did find success late in the first half when Brown hit Keith Dryden on a 49 yard touchdown pass to make the score 22-7.  Abilene would make up the points on the kickoff however when Harley Hazlett returned the kick for a touchdown making the score 29-7 at half.

Highlights

Coach Randall Rath

 

There were only five total drives in the second half.  Abilene scored a 30 yard field goal and one yard touchdown run.  Hays punted and drove down inside the one yard line but could not score.

Hays falls to Abilene 38-7 and goes to 2-6 on the year and 0-2 in district play.  Abilene locks up a playoff spot with a 2-0 district record as Buhler also has a 2-0 district record after week 8.  Those two will meet up for district crown in Buhler.

Hays will host McPherson who is 0-2 in district play on senior night at Lewis Field Stadium.

Hays finishes the regular season at home next week for senior night against McPherson.