Statistically the Hays High Indians controlled the first half of their game in Great Bend on Friday night. Hays went for 178 yards while allowing just 69 to the Panthers. The score though had the Indians with just a one point lead at 7-6. Nobody threatened to score until late in the first half. Following Dalton Miller’s second interception of the half, the Panthers took a short field to the end zone. A three play 44 yard drive was capped by a four yard run by quarterback Koy Brack. The extra point was blocked by the Indians.
The score came with 2:41 left in the first half. Hays scored just over a minute later. After a touch back on the kickoff, Hays moved 80 yards in three plays. Palmer Hutchison fended off a sack, reversed field and found Mason Ibarra behind the defense for a 49 yard touchdown. Cole Schroeder’s extra point gave the Indians a 7-6 halftime lead.
Highlights
Great Bend added nine points in the second half. Dalton Miller broke off a 46 yard run in the third quarter for a touchdown. The score put the Panthers on top 12-7 after a two point conversion failed with 3:04 left in the quarter. The Great Bend defense stifled the Indian offense for most of the second half allowing just 85 yards.
Great Bend pushed their lead to eight following a 25 yard field goal from Dani Franco for a 15-7 lead. On the drive Great Bend converted on third and six, their only successful conversion of the night. Hays also helped keep the drive alive by jumping offside on fourth and two.
Hays did get one last drive in an effort to tie the game. The Indians converted on third and fifteen and fourth and ten to keep a last gasp of breath going. The Indians drove to the 28 yard line and had one chance for a hail mary that sailed just wide.
Coach Tony Crough
Hays falls to 0-2 on the season and is 0-1 in the Western Athletic Conference. Great Bend is now 2-0 and 1-0 in conference play. Hays totaled 263 yards while Great Bend had 274. The Panthers total included 205 yards in the second half, Hays had 85.
The Indians get play their first home game of the season when hosting 1-1 Liberal. The Redskins lost to Wichita North 13-6.