By Dustin Armbruster
Hays Post Sports
Derby - The Hays High Indians kicked off their 2025 season with a state ranked showdown in Derby on Friday night. Hays entered ranked #4 in class 5A while the Panthers started the year ranked #1 in 6A. The Indians became just the third 5A team since 2012 to beat the Panthers on their home field, taking a 22-21 victory.
Hays held on to the first drive of the game for five and a half minutes to score. Holden Lind capped the 13 play 77 yard drive with a 27 yard touchdown run.
The Indians held the lead through the first quarter by allowing Derby to run just seven plays of offense. The Panthers scored on a 57 yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter to tie the game up at seven. Derby took the lead after a failed fourth down and one attempt by the Indians gave the Panthers the football just 16 yards from pay dirt.
Derby fumbled the ball at the goal line four plays later but it was recovered in the end zone for six points. The point after boosted Derby to a 14-7 lead with 3:26 remaining in the second quarter.
Hays punted on their next possession. The ball hit a Panther and was recovered by Alex Loving. Hays traversed 25 yards to the ten but threw an interception on fourth down to end the threat.
Highlights
Each team scored on their first drive of the second half. Derby faced 1st and 30 when they rushed for 29 yards. The very next play the Panthers made the score 21-7 with a 38 yard pass and PAT. It was the last points Derby scored.
Hays answered right back with a 7 play 65 yard drive. Lind once again crossed into the end zone on a 26 yard run for a 21-14 scored following a Carson Moore PAT.
The Indian defense held the Panthers silent, allowing Hays to start in Derby territory on four straight possessions. The Indians though couldn't take advantage and still trailed 21-14. The Hays defense again kept Derby under control forcing a punt. The Indians took over at their own four yard line with 3:30 left on the clock.
Hays embarked on their game winning drive that ate up 2:25 of what was left in the game. Zane Viegra found Braxton Basgall for a four yard touchdown to pull the Indians with a point. The Indians left the offense on the field and Veigra hit Parker McGuire for a two point conversion in the back right corner of the end zone for a 22-21 score.
The Hays defense ended the game in style with a sack to secure the victory.
Coach Tony Crough
Hays opens up their brand new stadium next week against Choctaw, OK (1-0.)