Hays High overcame a slow start on offense for a 27-17 win over Junction City Friday night to move to 3-2 on the season.
The Blue Jays struck first on a 67 yard pass play to take a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Hays took over on a short field when the Junction City punterās knee hit the ground on a low snap. Two plays later Holden Lind scored the Indiansā first touchdown.
Neither team found much in the way of offense for the remainder of the first half. Hays went 0/8 on third down conversions in the first which led to stalled drives. Junction City drove for a field goal with less than a minute left in the first half for a 10-7 locker room lead.
Highlights
The Indians got the offense rolling in the third quarter on the heels of the defense keeping Junction City off the scoreboard. Hays used a 11 play 80 yard drive that was capped off by a Lind 15 yard scoring rush on third down and a 14-10 lead. The defense again forced a punt and the offense took advantage. Lind ripped off a 41 yard run to the four yard line. Carter Graham hit Parker McGuire for his first career touchdown reception and 21-10 lead.
Hays had a chance to put the game away in the fourth quarter but punted and turned the ball over on the Blue Jays side of the field. Junction City drove for a 26 yard touchdown pass with just over two minutes remaining and closed the gap down to 21-17.
Lind once again shook free on a third down run. This time he raced for 61 yards to set up Hays at the four. Two plays later Ian McGuire plunged into the end zone for the final of 27-17.
Coach Tony Crough
Unofficially Lind rushed for 247 yards on 28 carries. Hays had 310 yards rushing on the night. Jace Myers had a interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery. Jarek Purdy intercepted a pass. Gavin Meyers forced a fumble and it was recovered by Tanner Geist.
Hays improves to 3-2 and will host Dodge City for Homecoming next Friday. Junction City falls to 1-4. Hays has beat the Blue Jays three straight years.